Corruption

Kecobo: Sh44m royalty funds embezzled

The Kenya Copyright Board (Kecobo) Board of Directors has issued a statement on the status of the copyright sector.  

In their statement, they noted that Collective Management Organisations (CMOs) withdrew from bank accounts about Sh44 million set aside for distribution as royalty in defiance of Kecobo licensing conditions and conservatory directives. 

According to their statement, the amounts were transferred to accounts outside the oversight by Kecobo. In addition, none of the CMOs has commenced the process of distribution and Kecobo has vowed to observe keenly the manner of distribution by the CMOs with the intention to have anyone diverting the funds prosecuted.  

Besides harassment of music users, CMO’s, the bodies that collect and distribute creative royalties, have been facing several accusations of fund embezzlement, failure to account for artistes’ monies and grand corruption. 

The statement further details that all organisations dealing with royalties have been comprehensively audited and the findings forwarded to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI). 

The DCI has completed investigations and the matter is now in the hands of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Judiciary. 

Kecobo has been at the forefront of implementing measures to safeguard musicians’ funds and streamline a deeply troubled sector. 

In a previous Senate committee meeting, it was disclosed that CMO directors had been illegally withdrawing sitting allowances that added up to a million shillings annually. 

Last week, Kecobo filed a case at the High Court Constitutional Division for declaratory remedies and freezing of known accounts in which proceeds are being held. The hearing is slated for later this month. 

With the National Rights Registry already having shelved over 17,000 works, Kecobo has announced the temporary waiver of the registration fee in a bid to attract more creatives.


There's no story that cannot be told. We cover the stories that others don't want to be told, we bring you all the news you need. If you have tips, exposes or any story you need to be told bluntly and all queries write to us [email protected] also find us on Telegram

Related posts

Exclusive: Ruto’s ally Mburu and CS Macharia dirty deals on Sh65bn Nairobi-JKIA expressway tender

nairobi-exposed

EXPLOSIVE: How Rigathi Gachagua Became An Overnight Billionaire, Part One of Four

nairobi-exposed

How The Loot By Waluke Was Shared Including Lawyer Ahmednasir

nairobi-exposed

Maersk’s Dirty Dealings In Mombasa Port Exposed

nairobi-exposed

Part 1: Inside The Firms’ Battle For eCitizen Millions

nairobi-exposed

Agency Seeks Extension Of Order Freezing Assets Of Obado’s Associate

nairobi-exposed

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Accept Read More