Annual patent applications in Kenya
Kenya: Annual patent applications was 160 in 2021. ◆ Volatile
Annual patent applications in Kenya, 1988–2021
Source: World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), via World Bank (2026) – processed by Our World in Data.
Analysis
The most recent figure for annual patent applications in Kenya is 160, measured in 2021.
The figure is down 53.1% on the previous year and up 18.5% over ten years.
Over the whole period, annual patent applications in Kenya peaked at 341 in 2020 and was at its lowest, 1, in 1988.
That places Kenya 61st out of 135 countries with data for 2021, putting it in the middle of the range.
The series is highly variable year to year, so single readings are best treated with caution.
Averages by decade
| Decade | Average | Lowest | Highest | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1980s | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| 1990s | 18.5 | 8 | 27 | 6 |
| 2000s | 37.88 | 22 | 63 | 8 |
| 2010s | 154.8 | 77 | 294 | 10 |
| 2020s | 250.5 | 160 | 341 | 2 |
Countries ranked near Kenya
More science & technology data for Kenya
- Scientific and technical journal articles 2,079 (2023)
- Mobile phone subscriptions 71.38 million (2024)
- Mobile phone subscriptions per 100 people 126.48 per 100 people (2024)
- Mobile and landline phone subscriptions per 100 people 126.48 per 100 people (2024)
- Patent applications, nonresidents 37 (2021)
- Share of the population using the Internet 35.0% (2024)
- Patent applications, residents 160 (2021)
- Research and development expenditure 0.8% (2024)
- Number of people using the Internet 14.35 million users (2021)
- Landline Internet subscriptions per 100 people 3.04 per 100 people (2024)
Frequently asked questions
- What is annual patent applications in Kenya?
- Annual patent applications in Kenya was 160 in 2021, according to World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), via World Bank (2026) – processed by Our World in Data.
- What is the highest annual patent applications recorded in Kenya?
- The highest recorded value was 341 in 2020.
- What is the lowest annual patent applications recorded in Kenya?
- The lowest recorded value was 1 in 1988.
- How does Kenya rank for annual patent applications?
- Kenya ranks 61st out of 135 countries with data for 2021.
- Is annual patent applications rising or falling in Kenya?
- Over the last ten years it is up 18.5%. The long-run trend across the full record is volatile.
- Where does this Kenya data come from?
- The figures come from World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), via World Bank (2026) – processed by Our World in Data, published as part of Annual patent applications. Statizoid updates them automatically from the source API.
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