Sunday 16th August, 2026 08:27 AM|
The National Assembly has invited Kenyans, innovators, creators and other stakeholders to submit their views on the proposed Kenya Intellectual Property Bill, 2026.
In a public participation notice shared on its Facebook page on Sunday, August 16, 2026, Parliament said the Departmental Committee on Trade, Industry and Cooperatives was seeking public input on the proposed legislation.
The Bill seeks to establish a single Kenya Intellectual Property Authority (KIPA) by merging the Kenya Industrial Property Institute (KIPI), Kenya Copyright Board (KECOBO) and the Anti-Counterfeit Authority.
Parliament seeks views from innovators
The proposed law is expected to introduce changes in the management and protection of intellectual property rights, including patents, copyrights, industrial designs and innovations.
The framework would also cover AI-assisted inventions and technovations, reflecting the growing role of technology and innovation in Kenya’s economy.
The Bill further proposes stronger copyright protection, including enhanced enforcement mechanisms, online protection and penalties against counterfeiting.
New tribunal proposed
The legislation also seeks to establish a specialised Intellectual Property Tribunal to handle disputes relating to intellectual property.
Parliament said the Bill provides for operational, asset and staff transition arrangements to facilitate the proposed institutional changes.
Members of the public have been encouraged to obtain copies of the Bill, prepare their views or written memoranda and submit them to the National Assembly.
“Your input directly shapes laws designed to safeguard innovation, creativity, and IP rights across the country,” Parliament said in its public participation notice.
Public participation key
The invitation comes days after Parliament sought public views on the proposed merger of key tourism agencies under the Tourism (Amendment) Bill, 2026.
The Tourism Bill proposes dissolving the Tourism Research Institute (TRI) and Tourism Finance Corporation (TFC), with their functions and assets transferred to the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB).
Parliament said such consultations provide Kenyans with an opportunity to influence legislation before it is enacted.
“Public participation is a constitutional obligation and an opportunity for Kenyans to contribute to the law-making process,” Parliament said in the earlier tourism consultation.
The intellectual property proposals could have a significant impact on innovators, artists, creators and businesses that depend on intellectual property protection.
Kenyans and affected stakeholders have therefore been urged to study the Bill and submit their views as Parliament considers the proposed reforms.
