The Kenya Industrial Property Institute (KIPI) has officially rolled out an end-to-end online trademark filing system, marking a major step forward in automating the country’s intellectual property (IP) services.

Announced by KIPI Managing Director John Onyango, the platform enables creators, entrepreneurs, and businesses to submit trademark applications and complete fee payments digitally from any location, 24 hours a day.

The move aligns directly with the Kenyan Government’s broader digitization agenda under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), specifically its fifth core pillar, the Digital Superhighway and Creative Economy. By eliminating manual hurdles in the trademark registry, the institute aims to improve institutional efficiency, expand accessibility, and promote economic inclusivity for innovators nationwide.

The new system complements KIPI’s existing online patent portal, which already handles digital filings and payments for national patents, utility models, and industrial designs.

The transition from physical paperwork to an automated portal offers several practical advantages for applicants and IP practitioners:

  • 24/7 Accessibility: Submissions and payments can occur outside standard business operating hours.
  • Accelerated Processing: Digital intake reduces data entry backlogs and speeds up initial screening.
  • Cost Reduction: Eliminates logistical expenses associated with printing, in-person filing, physical document courier services, and travel to Nairobi.
  • Direct Payment Integration: Seamlessly interfaces with state-approved payment channels, including eCitizen.

Both portals are live and available directly through KIPI’s main website under the e-Services menu:

User guides and documentation are hosted on the official KIPI site. For technical assistance or onboarding queries, the institute has provided direct support lines at +254 720 020020/+254 736 002020, along with dedicated ICT support via ict@kipi.go.ke.