Government seeks public views on new National Intellectual Property Policy and Strategy

The government has launched nationwide public participation forums on the Draft National Intellectual Property Policy and Strategy (NIPPS) 2026, a proposed framework aimed at transforming innovation, creativity and indigenous knowledge into key drivers of economic growth, industrialization and job creation.

The forum held at Magharibi Hall in Kakamega brought together officials from the national and county governments, innovators, entrepreneurs, creatives, farmers, researchers and members of the public to collect views that will shape the country’s new intellectual property policy.

Speaking on behalf of the Principal Secretary for the State Department for Industry, officials said intellectual property has become a strategic pillar of Kenya’s economic transformation in an increasingly knowledge-based global economy.

“Intellectual Property is no longer just a legal mechanism; it is the cornerstone of our national development. In today’s global economy, our greatest wealth is not found beneath the soil, but in the minds, innovations and heritage of our people.”He said.

The government said the draft policy seeks to position intellectual property as a catalyst for investment, innovation, commercialization of research and protection of Kenya’s cultural heritage.

The proposed framework covers patents, utility models, industrial designs, trademarks, trade secrets, geographical indications, copyright, plant breeders’ rights, traditional knowledge, genetic resources, folklore, as well as digital and artificial intelligence-driven innovations.

Kenya Industrial Property Institute (KIPI) Managing Director John Onyango said the country’s intellectual property landscape has changed significantly over the past two decades, making it necessary to adopt a modern policy that responds to emerging technologies and new economic realities.

“Kenya’s intellectual property landscape has tremendously changed over the last two decades. Digital innovation, the creative economy, traditional knowledge and other sectors of the economy need a modern and robust IP policy,” Onyango said.

He noted that the draft policy is designed to ensure intellectual property becomes a practical tool for improving livelihoods across the country.

“This draft Policy seeks to make IP a tool for job creation, wealth generation and cultural protection for every Kenyan,” he added.

Onyango urged innovators, artists, entrepreneurs, researchers and farmers to actively contribute to the consultation process, emphasizing that the government wants the final policy to reflect the aspirations of all Kenyans.

“Today we listen. We want to hear how this policy can help you protect and profit from your inventions, innovations and artistic works, whether in tech, culture or farming.”

He described Kakamega as a region rich in culture, agriculture, innovation and entrepreneurship, saying its residents have an important role to play in shaping the country’s intellectual property future.

The government said the policy proposes stronger protection for musicians, filmmakers, writers, fashion designers and digital content creators by enhancing copyright enforcement, combating piracy and strengthening digital rights management.

“This policy provides robust mechanisms to protect original works, ensure fair compensation and establish structures for digital rights management so that our creatives can fully commercialize their talents.” He said.

The strategy also seeks to protect traditional knowledge and indigenous cultural expressions from exploitation while promoting innovation through simplified patenting processes, stronger trademark protection and support for technology-based enterprises.

In agriculture, the policy aims to strengthen plant breeders’ rights and promote Geographical Indications to enhance the value and global competitiveness of uniquely Kenyan products.

The State Department said institutions including the Kenya Industrial Property Institute (KIPI), Kenya Copyright Board (KECOBO), Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA), Kenya National Innovation Agency (KeNIA), Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) and the National Research Fund (NRF) will play central roles in implementing the strategy.

Officials assured participants that every submission made during the public participation exercise would be considered before the policy is finalized.

“Our officers will record every view because we believe public input is crucial in the final document. This is your policy, not ours alone. And no suggestion or proposal is wrong,” Onyango said.

The government emphasized that public participation is a constitutional requirement and encouraged Kenyans across the country to submit their views.

“Your feedback today will directly refine the final policy. Let us work together to build an IP ecosystem that rewards creativity, secures our heritage and drives industrial growth.” He added.

Once finalized, the National Intellectual Property Policy and Strategy 2026 is expected to strengthen Kenya’s innovation ecosystem, protect creators and inventors, encourage commercialization of research, safeguard indigenous knowledge and position intellectual property as a key pillar of the country’s economic transformation.