DCI investigating Ksh 44m lost by CMOs meant for artistes royalties

30 July 2021

•"In the last three days Collective Management Organizations (CMO) withdrew from bank accounts about Kshs.44 million set aside for distribution as royalty."- KECOBO

Kenya Classification Board management has said the loss of Ksh 44 million meant for artists is under investigation by the DCI.

According to a statement by KECOBO in the last three days, Collective Management Organizations (CMO) withdrew from bank accounts about Kshs.44 million set aside for distribution as royalty.

The move was in defiance of KECOBO licensing conditions and conservatory directives.

The amount was transferred to accounts outside the oversight by KECOBO.

So far none of the CMOs has commenced the process of distribution and KECOBO will be observing keenly the manner of distribution by the CMOs with the intention to have anyone diverting the funds prosecuted.

The news comes at a time when artists are complaining about receiving peanuts as royalties.

Different artists received less than 2,000.