Politicians to Pay Up to Ksh500,000 for Campaign Music Under New Tariffs

 By Melwin Kiprop

Politicians seeking to use music in their campaigns ahead of the 2027 General Election will now be required to pay significantly higher fees following new tariffs introduced by the Ministry of Youth Affairs Creative Economy and Sports.

In a notice signed by Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya, the government unveiled updated rates under the Consolidated Music and Audiovisual Works Tariff, a move aimed at boosting earnings for Kenyan artists while ensuring fair compensation for the use of their creative work.

Under the new structure, presidential candidates will be required to pay Ksh500,000 to use copyrighted music during campaigns, while governors will pay Ksh200,000 and senators Ksh150,000. Members of Parliament, including women representatives, will part with Ksh100,000, while Members of County Assembly (MCAs) will pay Ksh15,000.

Political parties, on the other hand, will continue to pay a flat rate of Ksh600,000 annually to use music during rallies, party launches, and other campaign-related activities. The tariff framework will run from January 2026 to December 2028, covering the entire election cycle.

The new rates mark an increase from previous tariffs, where presidential candidates paid Ksh400,000, governors Ksh150,000, and senators Ksh100,000. Lawmakers and MCAs also faced lower charges in the past, making the revised structure a significant boost for artists’ revenue streams.

Beyond political campaigns, the updated tariffs will also affect other users of copyrighted music. Mobile DJs will now be required to pay Ksh20,000 annually, while commercial vehicles will pay between Ksh4,000 and Ksh12,000 depending on usage.

The announcement has been welcomed by musicians, who have long argued that previous rates were too low compared to the value their work brings to political campaigns. Artists have also faced pressure from fans who often associate them with political figures whenever their music is used without clear consent.

Meanwhile, leaders including William Ruto have previously engaged artists on ways to strengthen the creative economy, signaling growing recognition of the sector’s role in national development.

With the new tariffs in place, authorities say the move will not only protect intellectual property rights but also ensure that artists receive rightful compensation, as the country gears up for an increasingly competitive political season.