An Assessment of Kenya's Compliance with Regional Intellectual Property Legal Framework

Abstract

This thesis analyses the level of pervasiveness of intellectual property in Kenya’s line ministries, parastatals, private sector and industry; level of conformity with the existing regional legal framework and proposed amendments where applicable. It also presents arguments for an enhanced role of private sector and industry in engagement with the government in regional intellectual property treaty formulation and ratification. Questionnaires and interview were used as research instruments. The study showed that intellectual property is well grounded in Kenya’s relevant institutions and the applicable law is in harmony with the regional law. The study presents and defends that private sector and industry is an engine of growth and development especially at this time when the government has invested heavily towards the realization of Vision 2030. The study recommends the inclusion of private sector and industry representatives in regional intellectual property meetings as part of government delegations. Finally, it is also recommended that Kenya ratifies all the existing regional intellectual property legal instruments.