Kenya: Kenya Copyright Board opened consultation on the Copyright and Related Rights Bill 2026 including content remuneration regulation

On 10 March 2026, the Kenya Copyright Board opened a consultation on the draft Copyright and Related Rights Bill, 2026 until 31 March 2026. The draft Bill would prescribe specific revenue-sharing rules for digital uses of copyrighted works. Revenue from ring-back tune sales, net of taxes, would be distributed with 8.5% allocated to content service providers, 39.5% to telecommunication operators, and 52% to copyright owners. Telecommunication operators would be required to directly remit the copyright owner's share. The Cabinet Secretary would be empowered to extend distribution rules by regulation to other digital uses, including downloads, streaming, and ringtones. The draft Bill would also introduce a private copying remuneration levy on importers and manufacturers of devices capable of reproducing copyright works and on online platforms providing functionality enabling users to reproduce, download, store, or cache copyright works for personal use. The Kenya Copyright Authority would be responsible for collecting the levy. Proceeds would be directed to rights holder support and enforcement capacity.