Kenya: Government Introduces New Tariffs for Political Use of Music Ahead of 2027 Elections

Musicians in Kenya are set to benefit from new government regulations that significantly increase the cost for political parties and candidates to use copyrighted music during election campaigns.

The Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports has gazetted new tariffs under the Consolidated Music and Audiovisual Works Tariff, requiring politicians to pay licensing fees when using music to promote their campaigns ahead of the 2027 elections.

The directive is aimed at ensuring artists receive fair compensation for the use of their work during political rallies, campaign launches, and other election-related activities, where music is often widely used.

New Tariff Structure

Under the new regulations, political parties and candidates must pay the following annual fees:

• Political Parties: 600,000 Kenyan shillings
• Presidential Candidates: 500,000 Kenyan shillings
• Governors: 200,000 Kenyan shillings
• Senators: 150,000 Kenyan shillings
• Members of the National Assembly (including Woman Representatives): 100,000 Kenyan shillings
• Members of County Assembly (MCAs): 15,000 Kenyan shillings

Political parties face the highest flat rate, covering the use of music for rallies, campaign launches, and general promotional activities.

Supporting the Creative Economy

Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, Salim Vurya, published the gazette notice as part of broader efforts to formalise and strengthen Kenya’s creative economy.

For years, Kenyan artists have raised concerns about the use of their music during political campaigns without authorization or compensation. The new tariffs are intended to create a structured licensing system and ensure creators benefit financially when their songs are used as campaign anthems.

Industry stakeholders have welcomed the move, noting that political campaigns often rely heavily on music to energize supporters and communicate campaign messages.

Looking Ahead to the 2027 Elections

With preparations for the 2027 election cycle beginning, the new directive aims to professionalise the use of music in political campaigns and protect artists’ intellectual property rights.

Musicians have expressed optimism that the new tariffs will provide additional income and improve financial stability, particularly during challenging economic conditions, while also encouraging respect for copyright and licensing practices in Kenya’s political landscape.