Kenya

More than 40 emerging plant breeders and researchers from 10 African countries participated in a series of training programmes in Nairobi under the VACS Capacity Project, focusing on quantitative genetics, genomic analysis and digital breeding tools. The initiative is aimed at strengthening Africa’s capacity to develop climate-resilient and nutritious crop varieties. While not an IP […]

Kenya is considering a major restructuring of its intellectual property system under the Kenya Intellectual Property Bill, 2026. During a parliamentary hearing on 18 August 2026, the Principal Secretary for Industry highlighted the proposal to consolidate the functions of KIPI, KECOBO and the Anti-Counterfeit Authority under a new Kenya Intellectual Property Authority (KIPA), alongside the […]

The Kenya Industrial Property Institute (KIPI) launched a new online filing system, which is now accessible through the KIPI website. The e-filing platform currently supports national applications and enables users to: File patent, industrial design, and utility model (UM) applications online. Make payments related to patent, industrial design, and utility model applications. The introduction of […]

Kenya’s Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry recently published a draft National Intellectual Property Policy and Strategy (NIPPS) for public comment. If adopted and implemented, the NIPPS will reshape Kenya’s IP ecosystem through legislative reform, expanded commercialisation support, enhanced institutional coordination and increased emphasis on IP as a driver of economic development. The draft sets […]

The administration of IP in Kenya is currently fragmented. The KIPI administers patents, trade marks, utility models and industrial designs under the Industrial Property Act and the Trade Marks Act. The KECOBO administers copyright under the Copyright Act, while the ACA is responsible for combating counterfeiting under the Anti-Counterfeit Act. The Kenya Intellectual Property Bill […]

Togo’s drone deal opens a hardware innovation pathway Togo moved to build a domestic drone industry through a US$27.3 million partnership with Poland, supported by Cyber Defence Africa. The project aimed to develop local design, assembly and deployment capabilities across agriculture, logistics, industry and critical infrastructure monitoring. Beyond its technology value, the deal raised important […]

The consumer gateway into Africa’s digital economy became more dynamic during Q2 as device access, mobile onboarding and contactless payments converged. Kenya’s Finance Bill 2026 targeted smartphones through a proposed excise duty, raising affordability concerns for digital inclusion and handset distribution, while Cameroon blocked undeclared mobile devices, underscoring growing customs and compliance scrutiny. In South […]

During the second quarter, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) digital trade agenda gained practical momentum as Kenya, Morocco and Nigeria moved to pilot a system aimed at supporting cross-border trade administration. Both Nigerian and Zimbabwean firms also explored AfCFTA channels to deepen digital trade, reinforcing the agreement’s growing relevance as a commercial platform […]

In a landmark judgment delivered on 29 June 2026, the Kenyan High Court has nullified the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry’s directive of 30 September 2025, which sought to require Kenya Industrial Property Institute (KIPI) Board approval for the registration, renewal and revocation of trade marks, patents, utility models and industrial designs. This is […]

The seventh edition of the annual All Africa Intellectual Property Rights Summit is scheduled to take place in Nairobi, Kenya, from 11 to 13 November 2026.  This year’s theme is ‘Mainstreaming Intellectual Property for Africa’s Trade, Industrial and Creative Economy Transformation’. As in previous years, the summit is expected to bring together hundreds of delegates […]

Kenya proposes Geographical Indications Bill to protect local products Additional Topics PROPOSED GI BILL TO BOOST PROTECTION OF KENYAN PRODUCTS Kenya is preparing to introduce a Geographical Indications Bill (GIB) to protect locally produced goods and enhance their competitiveness in international markets. Expected to be tabled before mid 2026, the Bill aims to prevent imitation […]

Kenya moves to modernise its copyright framework with proposed legislative reform Important Topics KENYA INTRODUCES NEW COPYRIGHT BILL Kenya has published the Copyright and Related Rights Bill, 2026, marking the first major overhaul of its copyright regime since 2001. Released by Kenya Copyright Board (KECOBO) for public consultation in March 2026, the Bill aims to […]

Affordability remains the defining factor in African automotive markets, with used-vehicle imports continuing to dominate demand in countries such as Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa throughout February-March. In Kenya, used imports account for most registrations, while Nigeria’s reliance on imported vehicles reinforces similar dynamics. This is compounded by the limited availability of affordable credit, with […]

Financing-led adoption is emerging as the primary driver of EV uptake in African markets, particularly within commercial fleet segments. Operators such as BasiGo in Nairobi are using leasing and pay-as-you-drive models to overcome high upfront costs, accelerating deployment in Kenya and South Africa during February-March. In Kenya, this has been particularly evident in bus and […]

Large-scale rail investments are reshaping regional logistics networks, complementing road-based mobility systems across Africa. Projects such as Kenya’s US$943 million SGR extension, Algeria’s 950km railway, and the DRC’s push for US$1 billion in Lobito Corridor financing gained traction across March-April. These developments improve connectivity between production hubs and export corridors, reducing pressure on road freight […]

Important Topics IP protection takes centre stage in Kenya-US trade talks Kenya and the United States (US) have wrapped up an initial round of talks aimed at developing a new Reciprocal Trade Framework, with intellectual property (IP) protection featuring prominently on the agenda. The three-day meeting in Washington, DC, focused on how the two countries […]

Important Topics Kenya moves to accelerate AI‑driven economic growth through national incubation of innovators. Kenya Begins Incubation of AI Innovators Through NIRU On 19 January 2026, Kenya’s National Intelligence and Research University (NIRU) launched an incubation programme for AI innovators selected from over 2,400 proposals submitted during the 2025 National AI Hackathon. The programme provides […]

The Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry in Kenya recently issued a directive to the Managing Director of the Kenya Industrial Property Institute (KIPI), which provided that no trade marks, patents, or industrial designs are to be registered, renewed, or revoked without prior approval of the KIPI Board. The directive followed concerns that the KIPI […]

It is official, Kenya is now the largest manufacturer of electronic motorcycles in Africa. The surge in the market is a direct result of the Kenyan government submitting a plan to the United Nations in April earlier this year, committing to a 35% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2035, with a key focus being […]

Kenya’s Inventor Assistance Program (IAP) is beginning to show results, with nineteen applications submitted since its launch in 2023. The program, initiated by the Kenya Industrial Property Institute (KIPI) in collaboration with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), aims to connect inventors and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises with patent specialists who offer free support. […]

In a case that presumably shocked myrmecologists and the hobby ant husbandry community, two Belgian nationals were sentenced to a fine of over seven thousand five hundred US dollar or a year in prison each, for the attempted smuggling of around five thousand ant queens from Nakuru, Kenya. The pair were charged in terms of […]

In a statement representing Kenyan artists at the African Union (AU) headquarters in Addis Ababa, Kenyan musician and actress Nikita Kering called on the AU to address the issue of unfair pay from Collective Management Organisations (CMOs) and digital platforms, and to push for stronger AU support in protecting the artists’ intellectual property. The statement […]

On 15 April 2025, the Kenya National Innovation Agency (KeNIA) and Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) held a meeting to discuss IP protection, commercialisation strategies and innovation excellence. Separately, in a celebration to mark World IP Day 2025, held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre, the commercialisation of IP was at the […]

Kenya is working towards finalizing its third attempt at establishing a National Intellectual Property Policy and Strategy (NIPPS), following consultations with key stakeholders. The policy aims to address challenges in Kenya’s IP landscape and aligns with WIPO’s methodology for national IP policies. The 2024 NIPPS focuses on key sectors like agriculture, tourism, pharmaceuticals and the […]

The Ministry of Investments, Trade, and Industry has issued the Second International Symposium on Intellectual Property Protection and Enforcement (ISIPPE-2) report which aims to reinforce Kenya’s commitment to combat counterfeiting and protecting intellectual property (IP) rights. The report provides awareness and advice on best practices to strengthen IP protection and enforcement including the development of […]

The recent dismissal by the High Court of an anti-GMO (Genetically Modified Organisms) case aligns Kenya’s position on this topic with the stance that has already been adopted by several African countries. South Africa, for example, has been cultivating genetically modified maize, cotton and soybeans for years, with other countries such as Ethiopia, Malawi and […]

A Kenyan startup company, Pyrogen, has developed an eco-friendly alternative to traditional concrete by including bio-char in its concrete mix, allowing it to sequester carbon dioxide (CO2). Following the award of a utility model patent in Kenya for the technology, Pyrogen is moving to the next phase of creating a pilot plant in the Baringo […]

The Kenyan High Court recently clarified the level of evidence required for trade mark owners to successfully obtain injunctions in trade mark infringement proceedings. In a decision involving a peanut wrapper trader, the registered owner of the trade mark STEAME MAX PEANUTS, claimed that the respondent had infringed her registered mark rights by selling peanut […]

The second Kakamega International Conference was hosted in Kenya from 19 to 22 March 2024. The aim of the conference is to stimulate and accelerate economic growth in Kenya through sustainable investments. Mr John Onyango, the managing director of the Kenya Industrial Property Institute (“KIPI”) was one of the speakers at this conference. Mr Onyango […]

The Ministry of Interior in Kenya issued directives on 6 March 2024, under the Preservation of Public Security Act to combat the production and sale of illicit alcohol and psychotropic substances abuse. These directives impact various stakeholders including manufacturers, distributors, and regulators like the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), The […]

With effect from 26 January 2024, Mr John Onyango, was appointed as the new Managing Director of KIPI for a 3 year term. This permanent appointment follows a long stint as the Acting Managing Director from 1 December 2019 – 31 May 2023. From 1 June 2023 – 25 January 2024, Ms Norah Ratemo was […]

Piracy is, unfortunately, not limited to the high seas but has become a real threat in the digital world and causes staggering losses of billions in potential revenue.  These potential and real losses are also not limited to the digital world. Apart from the vital role of educating and creating an awareness of the value […]

After nine (9) years, Simon Kimani, more commonly known by his fans as Bamboo, a popular rapper now turned preacher, has been awarded Sh 4 500 000 (approximately US$38500) for Copyright infringement by one of Kenya’s leading telecommunications companies. The infringement arose through the use of the telecommunications company of Bamboo’s songs, Mama Africa, Yes […]

With effect from 1 June 2023, Ms Norah Ratemo has been appointed as the new Acting Managing Director of the Kenya Industrial Property Institute (KIPI). The appointment marks the end of Mr John Onyango’s tenure as Acting Managing Director of KIPI which began on 1 December 2019. The last permanently appointed MD of KIPI was […]

The Anti-Counterfeit Authority of Kenya (ACA) and Uganda’s Anti-Counterfeit Network (ACN Africa) have signed a memorandum, to fight against the distribution of counterfeit goods across the East African region. According to the World Economic Forum’s estimates, illicit trade currently deprives the global economy of USD 2.2 Trillion annually. The ACN confirmed that Uganda, on its […]

The Kenyan Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) has, in partnership with Terik Essential Programs Agency for Development (TEPAD), created a deworming porridge which formed part of an initiative of the Terik Community’s schools. The product, Ujiplus, is a porridge consisting of herbal deworming properties derived from the community’s traditional herbal practices. The community sought to partner […]

The Anti-Counterfeit Authority of Kenya launched its third strategic plan amidst also celebrating its re-certification of ISO standards related to Quality Management Systems Certification.

In December 2022 and in line with its proposed phased approach, the ACA published a list of HS codes for goods which have been categorized under phase one of the implementation process and now require ACA import permit application starting 1st January 2023. The HS codes published then covered electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof; sound recorders […]

In earlier announcement, the Kenyan Anti-Counterfeiting Authority (ACA) announced that, as of 1 January 2023, it would be an offence to import goods bearing IP into Kenya where the trademark owner has not recorded the IP rights with the ACA. In December 2022 and in line with its proposed phased approach, the ACA published a […]

The Kenyan Anti-Counterfeit Authority (“ACA”) has issued a Public Notice which stipulates that the final deadline for trade mark owners to record their rights with the authority remains 1 January 2023. No further extensions will be granted. As of that date it would be an offence to import goods bearing IP that has not been […]

On 29th November 2022, the Anti-Counterfeit Authority (“ACA”) issued and circulated a Public Notice no. 3/2022, available here, essentially reiterating that the Mandatory recordal of intellectual property rights for importation purposes will be implemented on 1st January 2023. The ACA advised that further extension/s of the implementation of the Recordation Regulations are not contemplated at this stage. Importers are urged to […]

Adams & Adams Partner and Head of our Anti-Counterfeiting Department, Godfrey Budeli, recently met with Dr Robi Mbugua Njoroge, the current CEO of the Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA), together with the ACA Management, Legal and Compliance, Investigations and Recordation teams at the ACA’s Headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya. Discussions focused on the ACA’s readiness with the impending […]

Kenya has been experiencing an increase in cases of online counterfeiting. This increase was triggered during, and in the wake of, the COVID-19 pandemic when counterfeiters could no longer conclude in person transactions. To maintain their illicit activities, counterfeiters moved their businesses online and have been offering their products for sale on popular online platforms. […]

In order to curb the rise of counterfeit goods offered for sale online in Kenya, the Kenyan Anti-Counterfeit Authority is proposing to partner with Kenya’s Digital Markets. A meeting was held between leading Kenyan Digital markets and the Kenyan Anti-Counterfeit Authority. The plan is to have online platform owners evaluate their vendor base to ensure […]

The Kenya Anti-Counterfeit Authority has announced the appointment of Dr. Mbugua Njoroge as the new  Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer. The appointment took effect on 1 August 2022. Dr. Mbugua Njoroge succeeds Ms. Fridah Kaberia, who served as Executive Director. for two years in an Acting capacity. Dr. Njoroge previously served as the Chief Executive Officer at the  […]

Kenya’s Finance Act, 2022 was assented into law on 22 June 2022 and gazetted on 8 July 2022. Despite this gazette date, the provisions of this Act came into effect on 1 July 2022. The Act has introduced amendments to various tax statutes including the Income Tax Act, Value Added Tax Act (“VAT”), Excise Duty […]

On 17 June 2022, a Nairobi City Court found businesswoman Ms. Rose Nyambura guilty for importing counterfeit circuit breakers into the country. Hon. G. Onsaringo ordered the defendant to pay a fine of Khs 3 million (USD 25445) or in default to serve 4 years in prison, stating that the crime posed a great danger […]

The Kenya Anti-Counterfeit Authority has announced the appointment on 2 June 2022 of Mr. Yussuf Osman Ahmed as the new Director of the Enforcement Directorate. Mr. Osman started his position as an Investigating Officer and Prosecutor with the Weights and Measures Department under the Ministry of Trade and Industry from 2000. He joined the Anti-Counterfeit Authority in 2010 as an […]

Kenya has taken recent measures regarding anti-counterfeiting to be implemented by the Anti-Counterfeiting Authority (ACA). The ACA issued two public notices (No.1/2022 and No.2/2022) on 26 April 2022 requiring that all intellectual property rights for goods imported into Kenya must be recorded with the ACA starting from 1 July 2022, with an extended deadline of […]

MultiChoice Kenya has won a court battle against internet service providers Safaricom and Jamii Telecom after the High Court issued a directive ordering them to take down pirated content. MultiChoice Kenya filed the case in 2019 seeking to compel the internet service providers to block live streaming of sports on its networks after it had […]

Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta signed the 2021 Copyright Amendment Act into law[1]  on 4 April 2022. It introduces a new royalty sharing formula which entitles musicians and performing artists to receive a guaranteed 52% of revenues generated from the licensed use of music for ring-back tones used by telecommunications companies.[2] It will come as some […]

The Anti-Counterfeit Authority (“ACA”) launched the Anti-Counterfeit Authority Integrated Management System (“AIMS”) on 28 February 2022 and, thereafter, adopted a three (3) phased out implementation approach. The ACA issued a public notice on 26 April 2022, setting a deadline of 1July 2022 for the recordal of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) applied to the goods imported […]

Kenya’s Anti-Counterfeit Authority has made it compulsory to record IP rights on all imported goods (not services) in Kenya by no later than 1 July 2022. The public notice published on 26 April 2022 required these rights to be recorded on the Anti-Counterfeit Authority Integrated Management System. Failure to comply will constitute an offence. However, mandatory […]

On 23 February 2022, the Anti-Counterfeit Authority announced that they had concluded the migration process to the Anti-Counterfeit Authority Integrated Management System (“AIMS”), an online platform developed to facilitate the process of the recordal of intellectual property rights, and that the system would be rolled out on a pilot basis from 28 February 2022. The […]

The object of the Bill is to amend the Copyright Act (hereinafter referred to as the “principal Act”), so that provision is made for a formula for sharing of revenue from ring back tunes between artists/copyright holders and the telecommunication companies. The Bill provides the following: the artist should get a greater share of the […]

In this matter[1] Rafiki Microfinance Bank Limited, the Respondent, used an image of Mutuku Matingi, the petitioner, on its pamphlets in the promotion of its credit or financing facility, “Get a boda”, for the purchase of motorcycles, also known as a “boda boda” in Kenya. The Petitioner was a boda boda driver and made a […]

In Kenya, copyright protection vests automatically upon the creation of a work. The registration of works is therefore not a requirement, however, the Kenya Copyright Board (KECOBO) does have an optional manual system of registration[1].  Copyright holders are encouraged to register their copyright as registration has been known to ease the evidentiary burden in cases […]

New Managing Director of Kipi to be Appointed On Friday 29 November 2019, Mr Slyvance Sange’s tenure as the Managing Director of the Kenya Industrial Property Institute (KIPI) came to an end. Mr Sange was appointed on 31 May 2014, initially in an acting capacity, but later permanently. Adams & Adams appreciated Mr Sange’s support […]

In a recent appeal to the High Court in Kenya concerning the THERMOS trade mark, the question whether the Registrar of Trade Marks (“the Registrar”) can revisit a decision previously made was considered.