April 14, 2026 — Kenyan DJs will now be required to pay an annual licence fee of KSh 20,000 to perform at events, clubs, and academies under new tariffs backed by copyright law.
The new directive classifies playing music in public as a commercial activity, meaning DJs and other music users must compensate rights holders for the use of their content.
According to the updated tariff structure, different categories of entertainment and public music use will attract varying charges:
- Clubs and casinos in major cities will pay KSh 100,000 annually
- Mobile DJs will be required to pay KSh 30,000 per year or KSh 1,000 per event
- Live bands will pay KSh 50,000 in cities and KSh 20,000 in local areas
- Concerts will be charged KSh 50,000 for local events and KSh 100,000 for international events
- Matatus will pay between KSh 4,000 and KSh 15,000 depending on usage
- Political rallies could be charged up to KSh 500,000 per event
The move is expected to impact a wide range of players in the entertainment industry, from DJs and event organizers to transport operators and political event planners.
The tariffs aim to ensure that artists, producers, and other copyright holders receive compensation whenever their music is played in public spaces.