Kenya Industrial Property Institute (KIPI) has showcased its dedication to fostering a robust innovation ecosystem at the 2nd Homa Bay International Investment Conference at Tom Mboya University.
KIPI highlighted its commitment to nurturing an innovation-driven ecosystem by protecting intellectual property (IP) rights, a fundamental pillar for fostering national economic growth and innovation.
KIPI Managing Director John Onyango shed light on the institute's vital role.
"As stewards of intellectual property rights across patents, utility models, industrial designs, and trademarks, KIPI's goal at the conference is to empower the business community with the knowledge they need to protect their industrial property rights," he explained.
Emphasising the essence of IP protection, Onyango pointed out its significance for businesses and individual inventors in ensuring sustainable growth and safeguarding innovations.
"IP is critical to the survival and growth of businesses and individual investors alike," he said.
He underlined the dangers of neglecting IP protection.
"Without it, innovators forfeit the chance to expand their businesses and lose their edge in the competitive market," he stated,
He said the mission of KIPI is to enlighten entrepreneurs on the importance of securing their innovations through proper IP registration.
To amplify its impact, KIPI collaborates with state agencies like the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), aiming to integrate IP protection with quality standards enforcement.
This partnership ensures that innovations secure IP rights and meet national and international quality standards, enhancing their marketability and consumer trust.
"By working closely with KEBS, we provide a holistic approach to innovation protection and quality assurance, giving Kenyan products a competitive edge in the global market," Onyango added.
Richard Muteti, CEO of the Kenya National Federation of Jua Kali Association, echoed Onyango's sentiments on the necessity of IP security.
"In a marketplace teeming with creativity, protecting your product through IP registration is your first step towards commercial triumph," Muteti advised.
He urged immediate action from entrepreneurs to register, patent, and brand their innovations, particularly those eyeing the lucrative East African market.
Peris Onyango, founder of Joppers Busy Limited, stood out with her narrative of triumph through IP protection.
Her venture into the market with Mit Mit, a uniquely trademarked sugar cane juice blend, showcases the critical role of early IP registration in establishing a business's unique identity and facilitating its growth.