Kenyan DJs to Pay About UGX 840,000 Annually Under New Kenya Royalty System

Kenya has rolled out a new royalty regime that will require DJs and entertainment businesses to pay annual licensing fees.

The Kenya Copyright Board (KECOBO) confirmed the implementation of consolidated tariffs for music and audio-visual works covering 2026 to 2028, bringing together payments for authors, producers and performers under a single licence.

DJs are now required to pay Ksh 30,000 annually (about UGX 840,000), or Ksh 1,000 (about UGX 28,000) per event. DJ academies will pay Ksh 20,000 (about UGX 560,000) per year. The tariffs extend beyond DJs to cover a wide range of commercial users of music.

Nightclubs, bars, restaurants and hotels will pay 60 percent of their Single Business Permit fees, while live bands are charged Ksh 50,000 (about UGX 1.4 million) annually in cities and Ksh 20,000 (about UGX 560,000) in other areas.

Concert organisers must pay Ksh 50,000 (about UGX 1.4 million) per local event and Ksh 100,000 (about UGX 2.8 million) for international shows.

Broadcasters are also affected, with radio and television stations required to remit 4 percent of net revenue, subject to minimum payments of Ksh 500,000 (about UGX 14 million) for radio and Ksh 400,000 (about UGX 11.2 million) for television.

The framework introduces strict enforcement measures, including a 30 day payment window and a five percent monthly compounded penalty for late settlement.

Operating without a licence could attract fines of up to Ksh 400,000 (about UGX 11.2 million) or imprisonment of up to six years.

The Kenyan system consolidates royalty collection through a joint licence covering multiple rights holders, a move aimed at improving efficiency and reducing disputes over payments.

The changes come as Uganda moves in a similar direction. Parliament recently passed amendments to the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Act, strengthening legal protections for artists and paving the way for improved royalty collection and enforcement.

While the Ugandan framework is yet to be fully implemented, Kenya’s approach offers a clear reference point.

If similar measures are adopted, DJs, event organisers and hospitality businesses in Uganda could face structured licensing fees for playing copyrighted music in commercial settings.