by Irene Mwende and Edna Okoth
Anti-Counterfeit Authority, the Attorney General Africa – Africa Programme and other stakeholders in the IP industry are hosting a unique three-day IP Enforcement symposium in Nairobi, Kenya on June 13-15 that convenes prominent stakeholders, policymakers, legal experts, industry leaders, and international organizations involved in trade, intellectual property protection and enforcement.
This symposium will serve as a knowledge-sharing and networking platform, fostering discussions and collaborations to tackle the emerging issues of counterfeiting and IPR infringement. It will create an opportunity for stakeholders to exchange ideas, share best practices, and explore innovative strategies on how more effective international cooperation and collaboration can be developed to improve both strategic and operational responses to what is now a global economic and criminal issue
Speaking during the conference the principal secretary state department of industrialization Dr.Juma Mukhwana stated that until COVID-19 pandemic, Kenya was one of the fastest growing economy in Africa with annual average growth of 5.9% between 2010 and 2018 and there is recovery from covid pandemic that is supported by ongoing public infrastructure projects,strong public and private sector investment and appropriate economic and fiscal policies
“Protection of such an economy is importance and robust if enforcement plays a vital role in stimulating innovation, driving economic growth, protecting investments, attracting investments and promoting cultural development and our government has made great stories and continues to promote a favourable environment for businesses to thrive spurring economic activity and benefiting society,” said “Ps Juma Mukhwana
The chairman of the Anti -counterfeit Authority Hon Josephat Kabeabea stated that the latest intellectual property investment in October 2019 and February 2020 of the extent of counterfeiting and other forms of illicit trade in Kenya showed the value of counterfeit trade to be close to shillings 100billion in review in 2018
Speaking at the conference,Mr John Edozie , Attorney General Alliance _Africa programme said that intellectual property in the 21st century is a critical driver of progress and prosperity as it fuels innovation and fosters creativity