Copyright Licensing Goes Digital as Government Shifts to eCitizen
Share
The government has directed that all copyright licensing services transition to the eCitizen platform following the rollout of the Unified Copyright License (UCL).
According to a public notice issued to users of copyrighted works, this transition to eCitizen marks a major shift in how copyright licensing operates nationwide. Applicants must now submit requests and process payments through the centralized digital system.
The move aligns with the government’s broader digital transformation agenda to enhance efficiency, transparency, and compliance across public service delivery.
“As part of the Government of Kenya’s Digital Transformation Agenda, copyright licensing services administered by PAVRISK have been successfully integrated into the eCitizen Platform. Through this platform, users of copyrighted works are required to apply for the appropriate Unified Copyright License (UCL) and make payment in accordance with the Copyright Act, 2001 (Revised 2022) and the gazetted Tariffs,” read part of the notice.
Copyright License Applications Shift to Digital Platform
Under the directive, all users of copyrighted works, including businesses, government ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), county governments, constitutional commissions, state corporations, business membership organizations (BMOs), hospitality establishments, broadcasters, transport operators, educational institutions, places of entertainment, and other commercial entities must process their copyright license applications through the eCitizen platform.
Also Read: Kenya Copyright Board Suspends KAMP Licence for 90 Days
Furthermore, PAVRISK set a clear compliance timeline of August 1, 2026, as all applications for the Unified Copyright License and related payments will be processed through the digital system.
“Accordingly, PAVRISK hereby notifies all users of copyrighted works be it businesses, Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), County Governments, Constitutional Commissions, State Corporations, Business Membership Organizations (BMOs), hospitality establishments, broadcasters, transport operators, educational institutions, places of entertainment, commercial establishments and any other user that, effective 1st August 2026, all applications for the Unified Copyright License (UCL) and payments shall be processed through the eCitizen Platform,” PAVRISK stated.
Users can access the copyright license services through the official portal: https://www.pavrisk.or.ke/ecitizen
Support and Compliance Measures
To support the transition, PAVRISK has deployed authorized Copyright Licensing Officers across the country for user support.
“PAVRISK has deployed authorized Copyright Licensing Officers nationwide to help in: Registration and onboarding. UCL applications and processing. Copyright compliance and tariff guidance. Licensing enquiries and user support,” the notice added.
Also Read: Term 3 Learning in Jeopardy as KUPPET Issues Seven-Day Nationwide Strike Notice
Additionally, PAVRISK requires all users to verify the identity of officers before engagement as each authorized officer carries an official Staff Identification Card and a unique Assist Code.
The organization also urges the public to report any individuals falsely claiming to represent it.
Finally, the Performing and Audio-Visual Rights Society of Kenya (PAVRISK) is a Collective Management Organization (CMO) licensed and regulated by the Kenya Copyright Board (KECOBO) under the Copyright Act, 2001 (Revised 2022).
It manages copyright license processes, collects royalties, and distributes them to rights holders.
Follow our WhatsApp channel for instant news updates.
PAVRISK Board chairperson Edwardo Waigwa addresses the press during the organisation’s AGM at a Nairobi hotel on September 16, 2025. PHOTO/ The Standard