In a landmark intervention set to reshape the nation’s music economy, Kenya’s President has issued a directive mandating that all music royalties be collected and distributed through the government’s eCitizen platform, with the aim of ensuring artists receive at least 70% of collected revenues.
The order, dated August 16, 2025, responds to long-standing industry outcry over transparency and fairness, where artists have historically received only 11–13% of royalties collected by Collective Management Organizations (CMOs).
The new system is designed to enforce compliance, automate tracking, and protect creators’ earnings before administrative fees are deducted.
Contrary to speculation, the government is not replacing or becoming a CMO. The directive instead creates a mandatory integrated pipeline: music users will purchase licenses via eCitizen, CMOs will issue those licenses as required by law, and payments will flow into a secured account.
From there, 70% will be ring-fenced for artists, with CMOs able to access only the remaining 30% as an administration fee, in line with copyright regulations.
Distribution will still be performed by the CMOs according to their membership rules, but each payout must now be approved by the regulator, the Kenya Copyright Board (KECOBO).
Artists will be able to log in to eCitizen to view real-time statements and track payments, a move intended to end the opacity that has plagued the sector for decades.
The initiative marks one of Africa’s most ambitious state-led digital reforms in copyright administration.
If successfully implemented, it could set a new regional standard for royalty transparency and empower thousands of Kenyan musicians, producers, and songwriters with clearer, fairer, and more reliable income from their work.
