Kenya’s recording industry urges fast ratification of rights protection treaty

The Recording Industry of Kenya (RIKE) has urged the Kenyan government to ratify the WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty (WPPT).

WPPT is an international treaty that protects the rights of performers and producers of phonograms.

RIKE, the official trade association representing record labels and self-released artists, seeks to establish a safe policy and legislative environment to support Kenya's recorded music industry across all revenue streams, especially in the digital space.

The association has commended the government’s commitment, led by Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, Kipchumba Murkomen, to fast-track the ratification of WPPT.

RIKE says the move will enhance protections for online music consumption, empower owners of sound recordings, boost investor confidence, and accelerate Kenyan music’s global reach.

Angela Mwandanda, the national coordinator for RIKE, highlighted the remarkable growth of recorded music in Sub-Saharan Africa, which achieved a 24.7 per cent increase, the highest globally according to IFPI’s 2024 Global Music Report, yet Kenya's recorded music industry has yet to realize its full share of this growth.

"We urgently need tangible support from the Kenyan government through the ratification of essential treaties like the WPPT. Uganda was the first to ratify in East Africa, with Nigeria and Ghana also taking this critical step,” she said.

“As East Africa's creative hub, where both local and international record companies are based, Kenya should be at the forefront. Ratification will advance our digital economy and secure fair protections for those investing their talents and resources into this industry. This is essential for driving sustained growth in the creative sector and securing a fair future for rightsholders across Kenya.”

RIKE therefore urges the government to advance and strengthen laws protecting Kenya’s recorded music industry from digital exploitation.

It says without decisive action, the industry faces greater losses.