The Relationship Between Research Permits and Patent Applications in Kenya over Ten Years (2014-2023)

Abstract

This study sought to establish the relationship between research permits granted and the number of patents registered over 10 years in Kenya from 2014 to 2023. Over that period, Kenya ranked at number ten in Africa in terms of patents granted and very low in world rankings compared to South Africa, which ranked number 17 in the world. Data on research permits granted in Kenya, as well as patents registered was obtained from various sources. For purposes of comparing permits obtained and patents registered, only research permits granted in the sciences were considered. Results showed an increasing trend in the number of research permits obtained as well as in patents registered. Over the ten years, the relationship between research permits obtained and patents registered was represented by the equation Y= 0.0062X + 3.9473. The constant was interpreted as a ‘carry over’ effect due to delays in processing patents. All in all, very few patents are registered in Kenya as compared to the number of research permits granted.