In a bold and innovative move, the Kenya Copyright Board (KECOBO) has unveiled plans to implement the Blank Tape levy, set to effect on September 15, 2023. This pioneering initiative aims to revolutionize royalty collection in Kenya, ensuring content creators are fairly compensated for their work.
The Blank Tape levy will apply to a wide range of digital and electronic devices equipped with recording capabilities, allowing users to copy or record copyrighted content. These devices, often called “blank devices,” encompass smartphones, smartwatches, USB drives, laptops, and computers.
In an official statement, KECOBO declared, “This announcement serves as official notice of the Blank Tape Levy’s implementation, commencing on September 15, 2023, in accordance with sections 28(3)(6) and 30(6) of the Copyright Act and the second schedule part B of the Copyright Regulations 2020.”
The responsibility for paying this levy will fall upon importers and local manufacturers of these “blank devices.” Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, the Arts, and Sports, Ababu Namambwa, emphasized the levy’s significance in revitalizing the royalties collection system during an interview with Kenyans Media, stating, “The Blank Tape levy has the potential to increase royalty collections tenfold.”
Ezekiel Mutua, CEO of the Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK), estimates that this innovative levy will generate approximately KES. 6 billion annually within the country. This financial injection could significantly benefit content creators and artists alike.
The Kenyan government recently adjusted taxes on imported mobile devices, increasing prices. Moreover, supply shortages of smartphones occurred due to heightened import duties and customs clearance delays. As the Blank Tape levy takes effect, how it will influence gadget prices and the overall consumer electronics landscape remains to be seen.
This Blank Tape levy marks a transformative step towards recognizing and valuing intellectual property in the digital age. Kenya’s commitment to fair compensation for content creators through this pioneering initiative sets a precedent for copyright protection and royalty collection innovation.
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