Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and
Sports, Kipchumba Murkomen has underscored the importance of a robust
intellectual property (IP) framework to foster creativity and economic growth
in Kenya.
The CS on November 4,2024, spoke at a workshop to launch the drafting of Kenya’s national IP policy, a move that is expected to support Kenya’s innovators, artists and entrepreneurs.
Murkomen emphasized that a well-structured IP ecosystem is key in driving innovation, economic development, and cultural development.
Kenya, which is regarded as Africa’s startup capital is in need of a strong IP framework, a policy that has become increasingly crucial to protect and empower the country’s expanding community of innovators and entrepreneurs.
“In a knowledge-driven economy, IP rights give creators the motivation to invest in technology, arts, and other creative industries,” Murkomen said.
The national IP policy which is intertwined with a three-year implementation strategy for 2024-2027, aims to strengthen protections for intellectual property across all sectors ensuring that Kenyan creators can benefit financially from their innovations and artistic works.
The CS expressed his gratitude to the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and other partners who have backed Kenya's vision to elevate its innovation landscape
A comprehensive IP policy will ensure that Kenyan creators in different fields have the legal protections needed to secure their work and profit from it.
This protection not only encourages individuals to bring new ideas and inventions to market but also attracts investment from local and international stakeholders looking for a safe environment for creative endeavors.
The new IP policy will also include approaches to educate Kenyans on the importance of IP rights with engagement activities aimed at raising awareness among entrepreneurs, artists, and other stakeholders.
This step toward strengthening intellectual property rights reflects Kenya’s commitment to empowering its citizens, securing their creations, and fostering a sustainable, innovation-led economy.
This initiative sets the nation with a thriving environment for its innovators where creativity and entrepreneurship can flourish fueling the country's progress and transforming its economic landscape.
