Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui has called for stronger protection and commercialisation of Kenya’s intellectual property to help transform the country’s creativity, heritage and unique products into wealth.
Kinyanjui said intellectual property should serve as a bridge between what Kenyans create and the economic value they derive from their innovations, products and cultural heritage.
He said Kenya must better position globally recognised products such as tea, coffee, art and other locally unique goods by protecting their identity and strengthening their brands.
“We must internalise the value of our IP and use it to position Kenyan brands such as tea, coffee, art and other unique products on the global stage.” Kinyanjui said
The CS said the proposed Geographical Indications (GI) Bill 2026 provides an opportunity to enhance protection of uniquely Kenyan products while empowering producers and manufacturers to showcase the stories behind them.
He cited Kenya’s rich heritage, including its world-renowned athletes, environmental icon Wangari Maathai, the Obama ancestral village and distinctive regional products.
Kinyanjui, however, noted that registering intellectual property alone was not enough, stressing the need for deliberate commercialisation.
He made the remarks during discussions with the KIPI Board, led by Chairperson Allan Kosgey and CEO John Onyango.
He said commercialising protected ideas, heritage and creativity would generate income, create jobs and build wealth for communities.
