As of July 1, 2022, the Kenya Copyright Board will begin collecting copyright registration fees, marking the end of a free registration period that lasted for a month.
The Copyright Act mandates the Board to maintain a database of writers and their works by registering copyright materials. Although registration is optional, it provides a public record of ownership and serves as proof of copyright ownership, which can be used as collateral for loans.
Non-registration does not deprive writers of their rights under the Copyright Act. The registration process involves creating an account on nrr.copyright.go.ke, uploading the work, receiving a validation code, and completing the registration process.
By registering their works, writers can ensure the existence of a public record of ownership and obtain a certificate of registration, which can be used as proof of copyright ownership.
