KECOBO (Kenya Copyright Board) is a statutory body established under the Copyright
Act (Cap 130, Laws of Kenya). It plays a vital role in the protection and promotion
of copyright and related rights in Kenya. Below are some key notes on KECOBO:
### 1. **Mandate and Functions:**
- **Copyright Registration:** KECOBO is responsible for the registration of
copyright works in Kenya, ensuring that the intellectual property rights of
creators are protected.
- **Enforcement:** KECOBO works to enforce copyright laws in Kenya, including
tackling piracy and other forms of intellectual property infringement.
- **Advisory Role:** It offers legal advice to the government on matters related
to copyright law and policy.
- **Promoting Awareness:** KECOBO works to raise awareness about copyright
protection and the benefits of intellectual property.
- **Dispute Resolution:** The Board also plays a role in the resolution of
copyright disputes, often working with other stakeholders such as the Judiciary and
law enforcement agencies.
- **Regulation of Collective Management Organizations (CMOs):** KECOBO monitors
and regulates organizations that manage and collect royalties on behalf of
copyright holders.
### 2. **Copyright Protection:**
- KECOBO ensures that creators of original works (authors, artists, musicians,
etc.) are granted exclusive rights to their works, protecting them from
unauthorized use.
- The Copyright Act covers works such as literary, dramatic, musical, artistic,
and audiovisual works, among others.
- The duration of copyright protection in Kenya is typically the lifetime of the
author plus 50 years.
### 3. **Role of KECOBO in Copyright Enforcement:**
- KECOBO collaborates with other agencies like the police, Anti-Counterfeit
Agency, and Customs to curb piracy and copyright infringement.
- It also supports the fight against online piracy by working with Internet
Service Providers (ISPs) and other digital platforms.
- The Board assists copyright holders in taking legal action against infringers
through civil or criminal proceedings.
### 4. **International Engagement:**
- KECOBO represents Kenya in international copyright organizations like WIPO
(World Intellectual Property Organization) and acts in line with global copyright
conventions such as the Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and
Artistic Works.
- It ensures that Kenya complies with international copyright treaties, thus
safeguarding Kenyan creators’ works abroad.
### 5. **Collective Management of Rights:**
- KECOBO regulates Collective Management Organizations (CMOs) like PRISK
(Performers Rights Society of Kenya), MCSK (Music Copyright Society of Kenya), and
others that manage the rights of creators and collect royalties on their behalf.
- These CMOs are vital in ensuring that creators are compensated for the use of
their works.
### 6. **Copyright Infringement Penalties:**
- KECOBO, in collaboration with law enforcement agencies, ensures that copyright
infringement is penalized under the Copyright Act. The penalties can include fines,
imprisonment, or both.
- It also educates the public on the legal consequences of engaging in piracy or
unauthorized use of copyrighted materials.
### 7. **Copyright Education and Awareness:**
- KECOBO conducts training sessions, workshops, and campaigns to educate
creators, the public, and businesses on the importance of copyright protection.
- The Board also collaborates with educational institutions to integrate
copyright awareness into the curriculum.
### 8. **Public Resources:**
- KECOBO provides various resources, including publications and guidelines, to
assist copyright holders in understanding and exercising their rights.
- It maintains a comprehensive database of registered works, which can be
accessed by the public for verification and information.
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These notes give an overview of KECOBO's functions, importance, and its role in
safeguarding copyright in Kenya.
