KECOBO Pushes New Copyright Bill to Shield Kenyan Creatives from Digital Exploitation
The Kenya Copyright Board (KECOBO) says the proposed Copyright Bill, 2026, will strengthen protection for creatives in the digital era.
KECOBO says the proposed Copyright Bill, 2026, will protect Kenyan creatives from exploitation and strengthen copyright protection in the digital space.
By Ruth Sang
The government, through the Kenya Copyright Board (KECOBO), is reviewing the country’s copyright framework to address emerging challenges in the digital space and strengthen protection for creative works.
Speaking in Siaya on Tuesday, KECOBO Deputy Executive Director for Training and Research, Sharon Wata, said the proposed Kenya Copyright Bill, 2026, is aimed at aligning intellectual property protection with the Constitution and safeguarding creators from exploitation.
According to Wata, the Bill, which is currently undergoing public participation, seeks to enhance protection of copyrighted works in the online environment and broaden the powers of the Copyright Tribunal.
“The 2010 Constitution specifically provides for the protection of intellectual property, and we want our laws to remain in line with the supreme law of the land,” Wata said.
She urged members of the public to visit KECOBO’s website and submit their views on the proposed legislation.
Wata reaffirmed the board’s commitment to enforcing copyright regulations, noting that stronger protections would enable innovators and creators to derive value from their work.
“Anyone whose copyright has been infringed should reach out to KECOBO so that appropriate action can be taken,” she added.
During the forum, KECOBO Head of Human Resources, Ketty Arucy, challenged content creators to uphold national values in the materials they produce.
“Creators should develop content that promotes peace, unity and positive social values rather than glorifying social vices,” Arucy said.
She also encouraged creatives to practice sound financial management and make prudent investments with their earnings.
Siaya County Arts and Creative Economy Officer, Faith Otieno, praised KECOBO for its efforts to safeguard and nurture young talent.
Otieno noted that the Siaya County Government now recognizes the creative economy as a key driver of entrepreneurship, job creation, tourism, sports and the arts.
Creatives who attended the engagement expressed optimism that the proposed legislation would strengthen protection of their intellectual property rights.
“I am a beneficiary of KECOBO. Through the board, I have managed to register 15 copyrights,” said David Marenya.
Fellow creatives Millicent Atieno and Geoffrey Oduor encouraged upcoming artists and content creators to formally register their work with KECOBO to secure legal protection and ownership rights.
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