A new study by Mwelekeo Insights through its Mwelekeo TV platform has revealed a growing crisis inside Kenya’s creative economy.
Young innovators are producing more than ever. Yet most of them still do not understand intellectual property rights.
Many end up losing their ideas, products, and life-changing opportunities before they can benefit from them.
To help creators understand the legal side of innovation, Mwelekeo TV hosted Advocate Mwangi Mungai of the High Court of Kenya.
He emphasised that young people must protect their creations early. He explained the risks calmly and clearly.
“IP seeks to protect your creativity from someone manipulating or misusing your product and work of art,” Advocate Mungai has said.
“Most people have gone digital, but they do not understand that someone cannot use their creativity or hard work without authorisation.”
Advocate Mwangi Mungai. Photo: Mwelekeo Insights Source: Facebook
The study found that many youth design logos, produce audio, build apps or create marketing content but post or share it without registering the work. In many cases, other people use these creations freely and make money from them.
One of the saddest cases highlighted involved a young developer who built a betting software valued at about 20 million shillings.
He shared it with a potential investor without patenting it. The investor vanished with the system. The developer was left with nothing.
“Once he sent the software, the guy disappeared with it and never paid him. This person was left with nothing,” Advocate Mungai has told Mwelekeo Insights.
The study shows that many creators avoid registering their work because they believe it is difficult or expensive. But Mungai explained that the process is simple and affordable.
“It is not very expensive to protect your work. A trademark costs as low as 5,000 to 10,000 shillings, and most processes can be done online.
“You do not always need a lawyer. If you cannot afford one, it should not stop you from protecting your creativity,” the advocate added.
Mwelekeo TV host Fridah Mong’are. Photo: Mwelekeo Insights Source: Facebook
He added that protecting ideas early gives creators confidence and encourages more innovation.
“If you know your product is protected, it gives you the confidence that your hard work is secure. No one will steal it from you.”
The new study forms part of a wider series of national research projects that Mwelekeo Insights has been releasing throughout the year. Each report aims to inform the public and guide policy in youth spaces.
Mwelekeo Insights finding on women in marriage. Photo: Mwelekeo.com
One of the earlier studies examined men’s attitudes toward the bride price tradition. It was released in July 2025.
The national survey found that 52% of male participants support the bride price tradition, while 48% oppose it.
Media summaries of the same study reported that 65% of men believe the bride price cost should be shared.
Mwelekeo Insights finding on bride price being abolished completely. Photo: Mwelekeo Insights Source: mwelekeo.com
Another study was released on 25 February 2025. It focused on young women in Nairobi and their attitudes to marriage. It sampled 2,687 women aged 18 to 30.
The findings showed that 59% of respondents said marriage is not a priority. Another 41% considered marriage an essential life goal.
The study also found that 51% of young women in Nairobi said they would be open to a polygamous marriage if it offered economic advantage.
Mwelekeo Insights finding on women in marriage. Photo: Mwelekeo.com
A separate study looked at IP awareness among Kenyan creators. This report was published in November 2025.
It found that most creators lack a proper understanding of intellectual property rights and often lose ownership of their ideas.
The accessible summaries did not include a specific percentage but described a widespread knowledge gap across content creation and digital innovation.