Rising Costs for Music in Businesses!

A wave of concern swept through Kenya’s business community this afternoon, Wednesday, August 13, 2025, as the Performing and Audiovisual Rights Society of Kenya (PAVRISK) revealed plans to raise the cost of playing music or videos in commercial settings under a new fee structure for 2026–2028. The announcement, made at 1:54 PM East Africa Time during a press conference in Nairobi, outlined significant increases, with bars and cafes facing an annual fee of Sh10,000, DJs Sh20,000, matatus between Sh5,500 and Sh12,000 depending on capacity, and top hotels up to Sh600,000. The changes aim to compensate artists and producers for the public use of their work, but they have sparked debates among business owners already grappling with economic pressures. "These fees will help our creators thrive, but we must balance that with business viability," a PAVRISK representative said, addressing a room of journalists and stakeholders. The news has ignited conversations across the country, blending support for artists with worries about affordability.

The new fee structure reflects PAVRISK’s mandate to collect royalties on behalf of musicians, filmmakers, and other rights holders whose work is played in public spaces. Bars and cafes, often reliant on background music to attract customers, will see their annual license fee rise from the current Sh5,000 to Sh10,000, a 100% increase. DJs, who play a central role in entertainment venues, face a jump from Sh10,000 to Sh20,000, reflecting their extensive use of copyrighted material. Matatus, categorized by seating capacity, will pay between Sh5,500 for smaller vehicles and Sh12,000 for larger ones, up from Sh3,000–Sh7,000. Top hotels, defined as those with over 100 rooms or luxury branding, will shoulder the heaviest burden at Sh600,000 annually, a significant rise from the previous Sh300,000. A bar owner in Kisumu, wiping down tables after a slow day, remarked, "Sh10,000 is a lot when customers are scarce."

Public response has been a mix of understanding and frustration. In Mombasa, a cafe worker serving tea to morning patrons caught the news and said, "Artists deserve pay, but this might force us to cut music." The fee hikes come amid a Sh10 trillion national debt and 5.5% inflation, straining small businesses that rely on affordable entertainment to draw crowds. PAVRISK argues the increases are necessary to reflect rising production costs and ensure fair compensation, with funds distributed quarterly to rights holders. A youth leader in Naivasha, organizing a community event, added, "DJs will pass this cost to us; it’s a concern." The society plans to enforce compliance through inspections, with penalties for non-payment.

The afternoon’s announcement drew diverse reactions. In Thika, a matatu driver waiting for passengers said, "Sh12,000 is tough; we barely break even." In Baringo, a hotel manager checking bookings noted, "Sh600,000 could hurt our profits, but we’ll adapt." The fee structure includes a tiered system for hotels, with mid-range properties paying Sh150,000–Sh300,000 based on room count and revenue. PAVRISK’s data suggests that public performance of music and videos generates over Sh1 billion annually, with previous fees covering only a fraction of rights holders’ dues. A vendor in Garissa, selling snacks near a bus stage, remarked, "Matatu owners might raise fares now." The changes test the balance between cultural support and economic survival.

As the day progressed, the story reached remote areas. In Marsabit, a herder listening to a radio update said, "Our local cafes can’t afford this easily." In Mombasa’s markets, a DJ packing his equipment asked, "Will clients still hire me with this fee?" The 2026–2028 tariff, set to take effect on January 1, allows businesses a six-month grace period to adjust, with PAVRISK offering payment plans. The society’s membership, representing over 5,000 artists, sees the increase as a step toward sustainability. A shopkeeper in Homa Bay, preparing for the Devolution Conference, noted, "Hotels here will feel this during big events." The fees aim to reflect market realities.

The afternoon brought a reflective mood to offices and homes. In Eldoret, a public servant preparing a report said, "This could push small businesses to the edge." In Kisumu, a mother checking on her family added, "My son’s a DJ; he’s worried about the cost." PAVRISK’s enforcement will involve partnerships with county governments, using digital licenses to track compliance. The Sh600,000 fee for top hotels covers extensive use across lobbies, restaurants, and rooms, while matatu rates vary with fleet size. A community organizer in Turkana, planning a radio talk, remarked, "We need to hear from affected businesses." The changes highlight economic trade-offs.

Experts see both sides. In Nairobi, a music industry consultant discussing over tea said, "Artists need this revenue, but the timing is tough." The fee hikes align with global trends, where royalty rates have risen to match streaming profits. A vendor in Timau, closing his stall, said, "Let’s hope it doesn’t kill our nightlife." PAVRISK plans awareness campaigns to explain the benefits, with a helpline for disputes. A father in Nyahururu, walking home with his family, added, "This might force some to stop playing music." The new structure tests Kenya’s creative economy.

The evening saw continued engagement across the country. In Nakuru, a group at a market debated the news. "Will cafes survive this?" one trader asked, sorting vegetables. In Nairobi’s cyber cafes, a student scrolling through updates noted, "People are split on this online." PAVRISK intends to review feedback by December, with potential adjustments. A youth leader in Kitale, organizing an event, reflected, "This could shape how we enjoy music." As businesses prepare for 2026, the fees will redefine public entertainment.