Kenya has secured a prominent leadership role in the global intellectual property enforcement arena following the unanimous election of Dr Robi M King’a, Executive Director of the Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA), as Vice-Chair of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Advisory Committee on Enforcement (ACE).
The election took place during the 18th Session of the ACE, held from June 2 to 4, 2026, in Geneva, Switzerland. Dr King’a was chosen as one of two Vice-Chairs, positioning Kenya at the forefront of international initiatives to combat counterfeiting and enhance intellectual property rights enforcement.
In his capacity as Vice-Chair, Dr King’a will play a key role in guiding the Committee’s work and shaping the agenda and outcomes of the upcoming 19th Session scheduled for 2027. This appointment underscores Kenya’s growing influence within global intellectual property governance frameworks and reflects international recognition of the country’s progress in addressing counterfeit trade challenges.
The position affords Kenya a stronger voice in setting enforcement priorities and engaging in policy discussions among the Committee’s membership, which comprises over 85 member states.
During the session, Dr King’a also presented a research paper entitled “Seeing the Unseen: Triangulating Firm-Level Data, Consumer Behaviour and Lived Perceptions to Map Counterfeiting in Kenya.” The paper emphasized the critical role of authentication and traceability technologies across industries as vital tools to bolster anti-counterfeiting measures.
Notably, this presentation was the sole contribution from Africa featured at the session. It was delivered alongside 15 other papers from countries including Italy, China, Japan, Chile, Switzerland, Belgium, Peru, the United States, and the Netherlands. Additionally, contributions were made by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO).
Established by the WIPO General Assemblies in 2002, the Advisory Committee on Enforcement serves as a global platform facilitating technical assistance, cooperation, and coordination on intellectual property enforcement matters. The 18th Session convened more than 200 participants representing over 85 member states, 25 observer organizations, the African Union, and the European Union.
Dr King’a’s election marks a significant milestone for Kenya, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to advancing effective intellectual property protection both regionally and globally. It also signals Kenya’s enhanced role in shaping international enforcement strategies against counterfeiting and related infringements.
Kenya’s Robi M King’a Elected Vice-Chair of WIPO Advisory Committee on Enforcement Dr Robi M King’a, Executive Director of Kenya’s Anti-Counterfeit Authority, was unanimously elected Vice-Chair of the World Intellectual Property Organization’s Advisory Committee on Enforcement during its 18th Session... Read the full IIPLA article: https://iipla.org/news/kenya-s-robi-m-king-a-elected-vice-chair-of-wipo-advisory-committee-on-enforcement