Kenya's New Copyright Bill: What It Means for Creators, Consumers, and the Digital Economy

Kenya's creative sector is poised for a significant legal transformation with the introduction of the proposed Copyright and Related Rights Bill, 2026. This new Bill aims to replace the Copyright Act of 2001, a law established before the rise of streaming services, social media, and artificial intelligence, which have fundamentally changed how content is created and shared.

The primary focus of the Bill is to update the rules surrounding creative ownership for the digital age. This includes clarifying who has the authority to enforce these rules, how quickly disputes can be resolved, and what types of works are eligible for protection.

Changes Under the Bill

Stronger Copyright Authority

KECOBO will be transformed into the Kenya Copyright Authority, granting it new powers to inspect premises and impose fines directly.

Faster Dispute Resolution

A dedicated Copyright Disputes Tribunal will address infringement cases more swiftly than traditional courts.

Digital Takedowns

Online platforms will be required to follow formal procedures for removing infringing content, in line with global standards like the DMCA.

AI and Authorship

Works generated by AI will only be eligible for copyright protection if there is significant human creative input involved.