The National Assembly has opened a public consultation on the Kenya Intellectual Property Bill, 2026, inviting innovators, creators, and stakeholders to contribute their perspectives.
The bill proposes consolidating the Kenya Industrial Property Institute (KIPI), Kenya Copyright Board (KECOBO), and the Anti-Counterfeit Authority into a single Kenya Intellectual Property Authority (KIPA). This move aims to streamline the management and protection of intellectual property rights across Kenya.
Key Features of the Proposed Bill
- Establishment of KIPA to oversee patents, copyrights, industrial designs, and innovations.
- Inclusion of AI-assisted inventions and technological innovations to reflect Kenya's evolving tech landscape.
- Enhanced copyright enforcement, including stronger online protections and penalties against counterfeiting.
- Creation of a specialised Intellectual Property Tribunal to adjudicate IP disputes.
- Provisions for smooth transition of existing staff, assets, and operations to the new authority.
Parliament encourages the public to obtain copies of the bill, prepare written submissions, and send their feedback to the National Assembly. According to the parliamentary notice, public input is vital in shaping laws that protect creativity and innovation.
This consultation follows a similar process on the Tourism (Amendment) Bill, 2026, highlighting Parliament’s commitment to involving citizens in legislative development.
Stakeholders are urged to engage actively, as the outcomes will directly influence the protection framework for businesses, artists, and innovators nationwide.
