Mwelekeo TV recently held a discussion that explained why protecting creative work in Kenya is becoming more important as more people come up with new ideas every day.
The talk went straight into how intellectual property works and why young creators, business owners, and anyone building something new must take protection seriously.
Counsel Mwangi Mungai, a lawyer from the High Court of Kenya, broke down the laws in simple terms, while host Fridah Mong’are guided the discussion to help viewers understand how these rules apply in real life.Intellectual property is a law that protects anything you create with your mind.
It covers things like songs, videos, software, logos, or even dance moves. When you make something original, intellectual property stops others from taking it or using it without your permission.
This matters for people running side hustles, creating online content, or starting shops and small businesses.
If you design a unique logo or write a song, intellectual property gives you control over who can use it and how you can earn from it. Without protection, anyone can copy your work, benefit from it, and leave you with nothing.
The discussion explained the three main types of intellectual property. The first is trademarks, which protect names, logos, and symbols that make your brand stand out.
In Kenya, trademarks are registered through the Kenya Industrial Property Institute (KIPI). The process is simple and done online. You submit an application, KIPI checks if the trademark is unique, and there is a three-month period where people can object.
It costs between 5,000 and 10,000 shillings. Well-known brands like M-Pesa and many event art designs are trademarked so that no one else can copy them.
The second type is copyrights. These protect creative works such as songs, books, films, or online videos.
The Kenya Copyright Board (KECOBO) is responsible for handling this. When artists register their work, they can earn royalties when it is played on radio, TV, or streaming platforms.
However, many creators complain that the system sometimes pays very little, with some receiving around 20,000 shillings a year despite their music playing widely. Even so, registration is still important because it proves ownership and helps in legal disputes.
The third type is patents, which protect inventions like new machines, processes, or technology. Patents also go through KIPI. An inventor must show proof that the idea is new and useful. When patented, the invention cannot be made or sold by anyone else without permission.
This protection is especially important for tech developers and innovators who spend time and money building solutions.The talk highlighted that many Kenyans lose opportunities because they do not understand intellectual property.
One example shared was of a young developer who created betting software worth 20 million shillings. He presented it to an investor before protecting it, and the idea was stolen. With no proof of ownership, he was left with nothing.
This happens often because people assume registering ideas is complicated or costly, yet the process is easier and more affordable today. Investors from other countries, like Romania, also insist on seeing patents before committing money, which shows how important protection is for growth.
Young creators were advised to always document their work, keep dates, use non-disclosure agreements before sharing ideas, and start the registration process early even without a lawyer.
Schools were encouraged to teach intellectual property from primary level so that children grow up knowing how to protect their ideas. The government was also encouraged to make laws more friendly to creators and innovators.
Success stories were shared to show the benefits of protection. A Kenyan developer who patented his software now earns steady income from companies using it. The team behind the Huduma system also benefited because they negotiated well using their intellectual property rights.
These examples prove that early action leads to long-term gains.
Mwelekeo TV is part of Mwelekeo Insights, a Kenyan research firm that studies public opinion on political, social, and economic issues. Their reports help people understand shifting trends.
One of their polls studied views of women aged 18 to 30 on marriage and found that only 29 percent consider it a major life goal, showing changes in attitudes among the youth.
Learning about intellectual property is one of the smartest steps for anyone with a creative idea. It turns talent into something secure and valuable, and with the right protection, Kenyans can build stronger futures from their work.
