The National Assembly has called on members of the public, innovators, creators, and other stakeholders to submit their views on the Kenya Intellectual Property Bill, 2026, as it advances through parliamentary consideration.
The Departmental Committee on Trade, Industry and Cooperatives is seeking written memoranda and feedback from Kenyans before the Bill proceeds to the next stage of consideration.
Taking to its X account on Sunday, the National Assembly said the proposed legislation seeks to streamline the administration and protection of intellectual property in Kenya by creating a single Kenya Intellectual Property Authority (KIPA), bringing together the functions of the Kenya Industrial Property Institute (KIPI), the Kenya Copyright Board (KECOBO) and the Anti-Counterfeit Authority.
The proposed merger is intended to improve efficiency, service delivery and the protection of intellectual property rights.
“The Bill establishes a single Intellectual Property Authority (KIPA) by merging KIPI, KECOBO and the Anti-Counterfeit Authority to improve efficiency, service delivery and protection of intellectual property.”
The legislation would also expand the legal framework governing patents and innovation. It provides for patents, utility models, industrial designs, artificial intelligence-assisted inventions and technovations.
The National Assembly said the Bill seeks to strengthen copyright protection, including enforcement mechanisms and measures addressing online intellectual property violations and counterfeiting.
“Strengthens copyright, anti-counterfeiting online protection, enforcement and penalties.”
Another key proposal is the establishment of a specialised Intellectual Property Tribunal to handle disputes arising from intellectual property matters.
The Bill also provides for the transition of staff, assets and operations following the proposed restructuring of the institutions involved.
“Creates an Intellectual Property Tribunal and provides for the smooth transition of staff, assets and operations.”
The Bill is currently before the Departmental Committee on Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, which is undertaking the public participation process before it can proceed to further consideration by Parliament.
The committee has urged members of the public to read the proposed legislation and submit their views or written memoranda to the National Assembly.
“Public participation is a constitutional obligation and an opportunity for every Kenyan to contribute to law-making.”
The National Assembly has made copies of the Bill available through its website to allow members of the public and stakeholders to review the proposed changes before making submissions.
The parliamentary committee said public participation provides an opportunity for Kenyans, particularly innovators, creators and other intellectual property stakeholders, to influence legislation intended to safeguard innovation, creativity and intellectual property rights.
“Your input shapes better laws for innovation, creativity and protection of intellectual property in Kenya.”
The proposed legislation comes with a broad restructuring of Kenya’s intellectual property administration, bringing patents, copyright, industrial property and anti-counterfeiting functions under one authority.
Members of the public have therefore been encouraged to take part in the process by reviewing the Bill, preparing their views and submitting memoranda to Parliament.
The National Assembly has reiterated that participation in the legislative process is a right, urging Kenyans to make their views known before the Bill advances to the next stage.