A non governmental organization is seeking to patent key elements of the Maasai culture. The NGO is up in arms against what it terms as 'exploitation', by outsiders of Maasai culture. There are over sixty patented Maasai products, but the community does not get any revenue from these products.
For example, Vogue, a leading Fashion House in the world, has a Maasai line of clothing. There is also a Maasai land rover just to mention a few. The NGO could get millions in royalties and fees if it succeeds in such a move. Other Kenyan products that have been patetented include Kikoi, kijiji, and other medicinal herbs.
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