PAVRISK officially commissions MELTA, PERAK as collection agencies

The Performing and Audio-Visual Rights Society of Kenya (PAVRISK) has officially commissioned the Metropolitan Small and Medium Liquor Traders Association (MELTA) and the Pubs Entertainment and Restaurants Association of Kenya (PERAK) as its designated collection agencies, in a significant move aimed at enhancing copyright licensing operations.

The commissioning follows a successful Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed on August 15, 2024, and comprehensive training sessions for officials from both MELTA and PERAK, preparing them to undertake copyright licensing activities effectively.

During the commissioning event, PAVRISK Board Chair Edward Waigwa reiterated the organization’s commitment to collaboration with Business Membership Organizations (BMOs) and users of copyrighted works.

"As I mentioned on August 15th, PAVRISK does not intend to antagonize BMOs or users of copyrighted works. Instead, we aim to collaborate firmly with all BMOs, making collection and compliance easy for everyone," said Waigwa.

The new collaboration is addition to prior ones that PAVRISK already has with other organizations such as Retail Trade Association of Kenya (RETRAK), Kenya Association of Hotelkeepers and Caterers (KAHC), the Kenya Association of Tour Operators (KATO), and the Association of Private Medical Institutions.

PAVRISK has now embarked on developing the 2025/26 tariff structure in line with Section 46A of the Copyright Act 2001 and Section 26 of the Copyright (Collective Management) Regulations 2020.

The new tariffs are designed to reflect the evolving economy while safeguarding the interests of both artists and users.

"We are actively engaging users to ensure their input is properly captured in the new tariffs," Waigwa added.

PAVRISK's licensing comes at a time when other institutions in the same field are facing challenges.

Waigwa emphasized the importance of legal compliance, stating: "It is crucial for any company, society, or institution involved in collective management to first obtain a valid registration certificate from the Kenya Copyright Board and have a gazetted tariff, as required by Section 46(2) and Section 46A of the Copyright Act 2001. PAVRISK has met both requirements."

As MELTA and PERAK begin their role as collection agencies, PAVRISK has urged the public to remain vigilant against individuals or groups masquerading as copyright licensing officers.

"PAVRISK issues official invoices and licenses, and all operations by MELTA and PERAK will be conducted within PAVRISK's *553# system to avoid any structural discrepancies. Our hotlines, 0732 721 721 and 0719 477 477, remain open to assist where needed. Please do not pay outside PAVRISK's official Paybill or account," Waigwa cautioned.