Nairobi: Egerton University Vice Chancellor Professor Isaac Kibwage has called on the private sector to partner with universities and technical training institutes to catalyze the commercialization of research and innovations through patenting of their ideas. He noted that sustainable development relies on constant adaptation and innovation.
According to Kenya News Agency, Professor Kibwage emphasized the importance of understanding patent laws and the commercialization process to help Kenyans, especially the youth, realize the full potential of their innovations. He stated that countries leading in skills and innovation will have a significant global influence.
Professor Kibwage addressed participants at a workshop focused on fostering innovation and intellectual property awareness, urging Kenyan innovators to patent their creations to secure exclusive use and commercial benefits. He revealed that Egerton University is currently working on commercializing a bean thresher, with Professor Paul Kimurto of the Egerton University Agro-Science Park liaising with the Kenya Industrial Property Institute (KIPI) to achieve this.
He highlighted the university’s entrepreneurial initiatives and plans to enhance innovation capacity among staff through training programs conducted by the Kenya Innovation Agency (KENIA). The university’s Innovation and Commercialization Masterplan aims to provide students with a strong foundation to develop their ideas.
The Vice Chancellor advocated for a shift in mindset towards protecting intellectual property through patents and seeking commercialization opportunities. During the workshop organized with KIPI, Professor Kibwage encouraged research and educational institutions to embrace innovation, boost skills development, and commercialize innovations from students and staff.
As a founding member of the Council of Kenyan Entrepreneurial Universities under KENIA, Egerton University is pursuing partnerships with East African venture capital institutions to fund viable innovations. Professor Kibwage urged collaborations between students, instructors, and the business sector to transform research findings into industrial resources.
Professor George Owuor, Director of Research at Egerton University, stressed the importance of instilling an entrepreneurial mindset among students. He noted that science, technology, and innovations are crucial for social and economic transformation and emphasized the need for research to drive innovation in key sectors like agriculture, tourism, ICT, and manufacturing.
Benson Baituru, Patent Examiner at KIPI, said training on Intellectual Property Rights aims to empower participants to protect their rights and transform business ideas into commercial ventures. He observed that while various state agencies are implementing policies for Intellectual Property protection, entrepreneurs often lack awareness of its importance.
Articles 11 and 40 of the Constitution mandate the Government to support and protect intellectual property rights in Kenya. Intellectual property includes patents, copyrights, trademarks, industrial designs, and utility models, with organizations like KIPI playing a key role in their administration.