The Kenya Copyright Board (KECOBO), whose mandate is to enforce copyright and related rights in Kenya will be conducting a public consultations forum on 11th February, 2016 at the NHIF Auditorium from 8.30 am.
The major functions of the Kenya Copyright Board are:
1.To Direct, coordinate and oversee the implementation of the laws and international treaties and conventions to which Kenya is a party to and which relate to copyright and other rights recognized by the Act and ensure the observance thereof.
2.To license and supervise the activities of Collective Management Organizations (CMOs) as provided for under the Act.
3.To device and implement training programmes on copyright and related rights.
4.To constantly review the copyright and related rights law.
5.To enlighten and inform the public on matters relating to copyright and related rights.
6.To maintain an effective databank on authors and their works; administer all matters of copyright and related rights in Kenya as provided for under this Act; and deal with Ancillary matters connected with its functions under the Act.
7.To ensure the protection of traditional knowledge and traditional cultural expressions.
KECOBO has a mandate to enforce the Berne convention for the protection of literary and artistic works and other conventions and treaties related to intellectual property.
The Board has organized several workshops, seminars and media campaigns on protection of copyright and related rights. It comprises of 14 Board of Directors, with Kennedy Kachwanya, the BAKE chairman, forming part of the board.
The public, artists and the CMO are requested to participate in this forum by sending their comments on ISP Provisions, CMO Amendments and Copyright Regulations 2016 to [email protected]. These documents can be downloaded here. One can also make representation on the day of the forum.