Maasai community has petitioned to secure the Maa brand that local leaders say deprives them of Ksh. 1 billion annually.
The leaders are set to present their petition at the office of the Attorney General.
"The Maasai has over the years not benefited materially from the commercialization of their Intellectual property, this is estimated Internationally to be worth approximately 10 Million Dollars annually." a notice seen by Uzalendo News quoted.
The leaders added that they will pursue licensing agreements with National or International companies that wish to brand with their tradition.
The leaders added that the government was neglecting their plight as the community is already facing hardships from the current threat to global warming.
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"The Maasai way of life is under serious threat due to global warming, increase in population, land sale and land degradation, therefore the Masai are asking the government of Keya via the Attorney General for protection of their Intellectual Property in order to guarantee the future survival of the Masai as a people."
Without permission, over 1,000 enterprises use the Maasai brand name and image.
Out of this, the Maasai are also claimed to be working on a certification mark that would allow businesses to formally cooperate with them and license their intellectual property.
If the Maasai are successful in gaining ownership of their brand, significant quantities of money might flood into the community.
