Photo:  Allan Kosgey (Centre), KIPI Board Chairman, John Onyango (Left), KIPI Managing Director, and Janet Kisio, Manager, Trade Marks Division, KIPI.

Kenya at the WIPO 66th Meetings: Driving innovation and global IP engagement

KIPI News / Fri, 07/25/2025 - 14:15

Photo:  Allan Kosgey (Centre), KIPI Board Chairman, John Onyango (Left), KIPI Managing Director, and Janet Kisio, Manager, Trade Marks Division, KIPI.

Kenya made its mark at the 66th Series of Meetings of the Assemblies of the Member States of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), including the Session of the Madrid Union Assembly, which took place from 7-18 July, 2025 in Geneva, Switzerland.

Leading the Kenyan delegation was KIPI Chairman Allan Kosgey, accompanied by John Onyango, Managing Director, and Janeth Kisio, Manager, Trade Marks Division. Together, the team was actively involved in key plenary sessions and discussions that were crucial in shaping the future of intellectual property (IP) globally.

Standing with Africa, speaking for Kenya
In his official remarks, Chairman Kosgey took a moment to thank the WIPO Director General for successfully guiding the sessions. He also made it clear that Kenya stands in full support of the statement delivered by Namibia on behalf of the African Group, highlighting shared priorities for the continent in the IP space.

Kosgey emphasized that innovation is not just a tool for economic growth, but a critical solution to global and local challenges from climate change to public health.

Progress at home: Kenya’s IP Journey
The Chairman highlighted several ways WIPO has supported Kenya’s progress in strengthening its IP system over the years. Thanks to this collaboration, Kenya has already achieved major milestones, including:

  • Upgrading its IP-related IT systems
  • Rolling out online filing platforms
  • Improving access to technological information
  • Launching capacity-building programs
  • Accelerating the digitization of IP services
  • Developing a National IP Policy and Strategy
  • Kicking off the Inventor Assistance Programme (IAP) to support local innovators to secure patents and transform their innovations into commercial assets and navigating the patent journey with minimal costs.

These steps are helping Kenya move closer to its vision of a modern, accessible, and innovation friendly IP environment.

The future: A competitive Kenya
Kosgey made it clear that Kenya is committed to staying globally competitive by continuing to invest in innovation, infrastructure, and the creative economy. With the right support systems in place, the country is determined to keep empowering its inventors, creators and entrepreneurs.

A Promising take away from Geneva
One of the biggest wins for Kenya during the meetings came out of a high-level discussion between the Kenyan delegation and the WIPO Director General Mr. Darren Tang. The outcome of this engagement saw Kenya securing two major commitments that will further buttress its innovation ecosystem:

  • WIPO will fund and support the Kenya Start Up Festival, launching in September 2025. This festival will provide a platform to empower micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and young innovators with tools and knowledge on branding, IP protection, and business development.
  • WIPO also committed to supporting the creation of a Kenya Intellectual Property Academy. This new institution will offer training and knowledge sharing opportunities, especially for youth, creatives, and innovators across the country.

Conclusion
Kenya’s presence at the WIPO Meetings is more than symbolic, it is a reflection of the country’s growing influence in the global IP space. With renewed partnerships, strategic investments, and a clear focus on youth and innovation, Kenya is well on its way to building an inclusive, knowledge-driven economy that can thrive on the world stage.