NAIROBI, Kenya Jun 18 – Kenyans have until July 31, 2026, to submit their views on the Draft National Intellectual Property Policy and Strategy (NIPPS), 2026, a proposed framework aimed at strengthening the country’s intellectual property ecosystem and promoting innovation across all 47 counties.
The Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry, through the State Department for Industry, has unveiled the draft policy developed in collaboration with various government ministries, departments, and specialized agencies. stating that, “The Draft National Intellectual Property Policy and Strategy (NIPPS), 2026 can be accessed on PUBLIC NOTICE (NATIONAL INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY POLICY AND STRATEGY) | Industry
In a notice shared on its official X platform, the Ministry urged stakeholders and members of the public to review the draft document and participate in the ongoing public consultation process.
For those unable to attend the scheduled public forums, the Ministry said written submissions can be made through designated channels, with the draft policy available on the State Department for Industry’s public notice portal.
“Interested members of the public and stakeholders are invited to give their comments on the Draft NIPPS, 2026 during the public participation forums which shall be held from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.,” the Ministry said.
The nationwide public engagement exercise is intended to gather views from innovators, creators, researchers, industry players, rights holders, academic institutions, and the general public before the policy is finalized.
The first phase of consultations is set for Monday, July 27, 2026, and will be conducted across four regional hubs.
In Nyeri, residents from Nyeri, Nyandarua, Kirinyaga, Murang’a and Laikipia counties will meet at the Nyeri Cultural Centre. Kisumu will host stakeholders from Homa Bay, Kisumu, Siaya, Migori, Nyamira and Kisii counties at the Mama Grace Onyango Cultural and Social Centre.
Meanwhile, participants from Nakuru, Kericho, Baringo, Narok and Bomet counties will convene at the Kenya National Library Service in Nakuru, while residents of Garissa, Wajir and Mandera counties will attend consultations at the Government Guest House in Garissa.
The second phase of the exercise will take place on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, in five additional regional centres.
The Embu Social Hall will host participants from Embu, Meru, Tharaka-Nithi, Kitui, Makueni, Isiolo, Samburu and Marsabit counties. In the North Rift region, stakeholders from Uasin Gishu, Turkana, West Pokot, Nandi and Elgeyo Marakwet counties will gather at Home Craft Pioneer in Eldoret.
Western Kenya consultations will be held at Magharibi Hall in Kakamega for residents of Busia, Bungoma, Vihiga, Kakamega and Trans Nzoia counties.
At the Coast, stakeholders from Kwale, Mombasa, Tana River, Taita Taveta, Kilifi and Lamu counties will meet at Tononoka Social Hall in Mombasa.
In Nairobi, participants from Nairobi, Kiambu, Kajiado and Machakos counties will converge at the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) in Ngara.
The Ministry said the consultations are being conducted in line with Article 10(2)(a) of the Constitution, which requires public participation and inclusivity in governance processes.
Once adopted, the National Intellectual Property Policy and Strategy is expected to guide the protection, commercialization and management of intellectual property rights in Kenya, providing a framework to support innovation, creativity, research and industrial development.
