Licensing FAQ

Why do I need a License for Communication to the Public of Sound Recordings and Audio Visual Works?
Recorded music is increasingly being used to enhance businesses in retail outlets, shopping malls, restaurants, pubs, entertainment spots, public transport sector, broadcasting stations, etc. It is generally accepted worldwide that the use of these recordings as piped background music creates the suitable ambience and entertains patrons, employees and employers alike in the business premises. These recordings whether played from a computer source, jukebox, radio, cassette player, TV, CD player, VCD or DVD player, MP3 player, satellite, internet broadcast or any other analogue or digital medium or format are protected properties of the music producers and performers. Using these recordings in your business premises therefore, requires you to have a communication to the public license. Producers and performers of sound recordings and audio visual works hold the right of remuneration when recordings are used for broadcasting and/or communication to the public.
Who should apply for a KAMP-PRISK license?
Recorded music is increasingly being used to enhance businesses in retail outlets, shopping malls, restaurants, pubs, entertainment spots, public transport sector, broadcasting stations, etc. It is generally accepted worldwide that the use of these recordings as piped background music creates the suitable ambience and entertains patrons, employees and employers alike in the business premises. These recordings whether played from a computer source, jukebox, radio, cassette player, TV, CD player, VCD or DVD player, MP3 player, satellite, internet broadcast or any other analogue or digital medium or format are protected properties of the music producers and performers. Using these recordings in your business premises therefore, requires you to have a communication to the public license. Producers and performers of sound recordings and audio visual works hold the right of remuneration when recordings are used for broadcasting and/or communication to the public.
How much does a License for Communication to the Public of Sound Recordings and Audio Visual Works cost?
Recorded music is increasingly being used to enhance businesses in retail outlets, shopping malls, restaurants, pubs, entertainment spots, public transport sector, broadcasting stations, etc. It is generally accepted worldwide that the use of these recordings as piped background music creates the suitable ambience and entertains patrons, employees and employers alike in the business premises. These recordings whether played from a computer source, jukebox, radio, cassette player, TV, CD player, VCD or DVD player, MP3 player, satellite, internet broadcast or any other analogue or digital medium or format are protected properties of the music producers and performers. Using these recordings in your business premises therefore, requires you to have a communication to the public license. Producers and performers of sound recordings and audio visual works hold the right of remuneration when recordings are used for broadcasting and/or communication to the public.
Is there any legal requirement to pay KAMP-PRISK license fees?
Recorded music is increasingly being used to enhance businesses in retail outlets, shopping malls, restaurants, pubs, entertainment spots, public transport sector, broadcasting stations, etc. It is generally accepted worldwide that the use of these recordings as piped background music creates the suitable ambience and entertains patrons, employees and employers alike in the business premises. These recordings whether played from a computer source, jukebox, radio, cassette player, TV, CD player, VCD or DVD player, MP3 player, satellite, internet broadcast or any other analogue or digital medium or format are protected properties of the music producers and performers. Using these recordings in your business premises therefore, requires you to have a communication to the public license. Producers and performers of sound recordings and audio visual works hold the right of remuneration when recordings are used for broadcasting and/or communication to the public.
What are the consequences of operating a business without an appropriate license?
Recorded music is increasingly being used to enhance businesses in retail outlets, shopping malls, restaurants, pubs, entertainment spots, public transport sector, broadcasting stations, etc. It is generally accepted worldwide that the use of these recordings as piped background music creates the suitable ambience and entertains patrons, employees and employers alike in the business premises. These recordings whether played from a computer source, jukebox, radio, cassette player, TV, CD player, VCD or DVD player, MP3 player, satellite, internet broadcast or any other analogue or digital medium or format are protected properties of the music producers and performers. Using these recordings in your business premises therefore, requires you to have a communication to the public license. Producers and performers of sound recordings and audio visual works hold the right of remuneration when recordings are used for broadcasting and/or communication to the public.
What does “communication to the public” mean?
Recorded music is increasingly being used to enhance businesses in retail outlets, shopping malls, restaurants, pubs, entertainment spots, public transport sector, broadcasting stations, etc. It is generally accepted worldwide that the use of these recordings as piped background music creates the suitable ambience and entertains patrons, employees and employers alike in the business premises. These recordings whether played from a computer source, jukebox, radio, cassette player, TV, CD player, VCD or DVD player, MP3 player, satellite, internet broadcast or any other analogue or digital medium or format are protected properties of the music producers and performers. Using these recordings in your business premises therefore, requires you to have a communication to the public license. Producers and performers of sound recordings and audio visual works hold the right of remuneration when recordings are used for broadcasting and/or communication to the public.
I pay MCSK for broadcast and public performance rights? What is the difference?
Recorded music is increasingly being used to enhance businesses in retail outlets, shopping malls, restaurants, pubs, entertainment spots, public transport sector, broadcasting stations, etc. It is generally accepted worldwide that the use of these recordings as piped background music creates the suitable ambience and entertains patrons, employees and employers alike in the business premises. These recordings whether played from a computer source, jukebox, radio, cassette player, TV, CD player, VCD or DVD player, MP3 player, satellite, internet broadcast or any other analogue or digital medium or format are protected properties of the music producers and performers. Using these recordings in your business premises therefore, requires you to have a communication to the public license. Producers and performers of sound recordings and audio visual works hold the right of remuneration when recordings are used for broadcasting and/or communication to the public.
Is a KAMP-PRISK license required for live music performances?
Recorded music is increasingly being used to enhance businesses in retail outlets, shopping malls, restaurants, pubs, entertainment spots, public transport sector, broadcasting stations, etc. It is generally accepted worldwide that the use of these recordings as piped background music creates the suitable ambience and entertains patrons, employees and employers alike in the business premises. These recordings whether played from a computer source, jukebox, radio, cassette player, TV, CD player, VCD or DVD player, MP3 player, satellite, internet broadcast or any other analogue or digital medium or format are protected properties of the music producers and performers. Using these recordings in your business premises therefore, requires you to have a communication to the public license. Producers and performers of sound recordings and audio visual works hold the right of remuneration when recordings are used for broadcasting and/or communication to the public.
I only play music from the radio; do I still need a license?
Recorded music is increasingly being used to enhance businesses in retail outlets, shopping malls, restaurants, pubs, entertainment spots, public transport sector, broadcasting stations, etc. It is generally accepted worldwide that the use of these recordings as piped background music creates the suitable ambience and entertains patrons, employees and employers alike in the business premises. These recordings whether played from a computer source, jukebox, radio, cassette player, TV, CD player, VCD or DVD player, MP3 player, satellite, internet broadcast or any other analogue or digital medium or format are protected properties of the music producers and performers. Using these recordings in your business premises therefore, requires you to have a communication to the public license. Producers and performers of sound recordings and audio visual works hold the right of remuneration when recordings are used for broadcasting and/or communication to the public.
Should I notify KAMP-PRISK if I am the new owner of a business and use sound recordings and/or audio visual works?
Recorded music is increasingly being used to enhance businesses in retail outlets, shopping malls, restaurants, pubs, entertainment spots, public transport sector, broadcasting stations, etc. It is generally accepted worldwide that the use of these recordings as piped background music creates the suitable ambience and entertains patrons, employees and employers alike in the business premises. These recordings whether played from a computer source, jukebox, radio, cassette player, TV, CD player, VCD or DVD player, MP3 player, satellite, internet broadcast or any other analogue or digital medium or format are protected properties of the music producers and performers. Using these recordings in your business premises therefore, requires you to have a communication to the public license. Producers and performers of sound recordings and audio visual works hold the right of remuneration when recordings are used for broadcasting and/or communication to the public.
I am an event organizer or promoter. Do I need a license?
KAMP-PRISK does not license event organizers. The events tariff is calculated per event per day and each organiser is tasked with ensuring his/her clients have paid for the use of sound recordings or audio visual works for their event. Failure to which shall lead to strict penalties and even arrest. See tariffs for details.
I run a nightclub or premises for hire; is the DJ not already covered?
If the nightclub is sufficiently licensed for dancing and the number of days per year on which dancing takes place, then any DJ working solely in that club or any other properly licensed club would not require a separate license. If the DJ is either a mobile DJ operator or plays in unlicensed premises or event/function, then a separate DJ license is required.
There are regular dance parties at our hotel but we do not organize them – we just provide the premises but do not collect any takings. Why should we pay KAMP-PRISK fees?
If dance parties are held at your premises, it is your responsibility as the owner of the premises to ensure that the appropriate licenses are in place before the event takes place.
I paid for the CDs, Why do I need a KAMP-PRISK license to play them in my business?
Since the earliest days of commercially released sound recordings and audio visual works, a notice along the following lines has been printed on original tapes, records and CDs or the accompanying booklets or sleeves: “Unauthorised copying, hiring, public performance and broadcasting of this recording is prohibited”. Even in the absence of these ubiquitous notices, the provisions of the Copyright Act Cap 130 make it quite clear that the purchaser, or holder in good faith, of a sound carrier like a CD, does not acquire the rights to broadcast, diffuse and communicate to the public the sound recordings that have been acquired, but that these rights are, in fact, held by the copyright and related rights holders.
How does music add value to the organisations that are licensed by KAMP-PRISK?
The use of music provides significant value to businesses, broadcasters and other organisations. This has been validated by research in other countries. For example, in UK the Music Works study found that 94% of UK bar-goers say background music is either a very important or important factor in giving bars a great atmosphere. For fitness clubs, 77% of respondents agreed that a gym with music was more appealing to them than a gym without. Details of the study and many other statistics on the value of music business can be found at www.musicworksforyou.com
What is a KAMP-PRISK Licence?
KAMP-PRISK Licence from gives Music Users permission to play music publicly at their business or venue.
Who needs a music usage licence from KAMP?
Any venue, business or person that plays background, recorded, broadcast or live music in public must get a music usage licence from KAMP.
Why is it important to get a music usage licence for my business or venue?
Paying for your music usage licence is good for everyone. It’s good for businesses who enjoy the positive effect that music has on the atmosphere of your establishment
What are KAMP’s banking details for the payment of licence fees?
Account Details:
Account Name: KAMP-PRISK
Account Number: 6788330018
Bank Name: Commercial Bank of Africa (CBA)
Bank Code: 07-0717 (Junction Branch)
I have a KAMP-PRISK licence, so why do I also need to pay MCSK (Music Copyright Society Of Kenya)?
All three are Collective Management Organizations, but they separately administer three different classes of rights. MCSK administers the copyright for authors, composers,, arrangers and music publishers of musical works. KAMP administers the related rights of producers of sound recordings while PRISK administers the related rights or performers of sound recording and audio-visual works. Even though KAMP and PRISK work together in issuing a joint license to users of sound recordings and audio-visual works, their constitutions, membership and guardianship of rights and responsibilities are different.
How do I pay for KAMP-PRISK licence for a shop, restaurant, etc.?
Please call 0738645041,0710309695 or email info@kamp.or.ke Our licencing consultants will provide you with the correct application form to complete.
I bought a business that has an existing KAMP-PRISK licence – how do I go about changing it to my name?
Please call 0738645041,0710309695 or email info@kamp.or.ke. Our licensing consultants will provide you with the correct application form to complete.
Who should apply for a KAMP-PRISK license?
As the only CMO registered and licenced under section 46 of the copyright act 2001 of the laws of Kenya to collect monies on the behalf of the phonogram producers/ producers of sound recordings that are broadcast and communicated to the public .
KAMP administers rights of producers of sound recordings in the following avenues:
  • Synchronisation – when work is synchronised to visual images, video or film.
  • Broadcasting – licensing of broadcasting stations for the use of performance in a sound recording or audio-visual work
  • Communication to the Public – business establishments that publicly play sound recordings and audio-visual works e .g Public Service Vehicles (PSV), Hotels, Shopping Malls, Music Stores, Events, Cyber Cafes, Restaurants, clubs, Bars, Supermarkets, Banks, Cinema Halls, Salons, Gymnasiums etc.
  • Rental – for audio-visual performers rental remuneration should be paid by video/DVD outlets or distributors for the use of works in the rental market.