Kaimosi Friends University (KAFU) hosted a two-day training session on innovation and patenting for faculty and students on January 29th and 30th, 2025. The training, organized by the Kenya Industrial Property Institute (KIPI), was part of the University’s Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) Strategy. The aim was to equip participants with the skills and knowledge necessary to transform creative ideas into patentable innovations.
The workshop, which was officially opened by Acting Vice Chancellor Prof. Peter N. Mwita, was organized by the Directorate of Research, Innovation, and Outreach, led by Prof. Benson Ojwang. Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academics, Student Affairs, and Research, Prof. Julius Kipkemboi, also attended the event.
In his opening remarks, Prof. Mwita stressed the importance of innovation in addressing societal challenges and encouraged the KAFU community to “fully utilize the resources provided by the University to develop innovations that can be patented and commercialized for both local and global impact.” This initiative, which is KAFU’s first training focused solely on innovation, highlights the university’s commitment to fostering a culture of creativity and problem-solving among faculty and students.
Acting VC Prof Peter N. Mwita delivering the opening address
Prof. Mwita also highlighted the growing potential of KAFU’s staff and students as innovators in fields such as ICT, health sciences, and agriculture. He noted that the university’s Science, Technology, and Innovation (ST&I) Strategy offers a strong framework for supporting and nurturing innovation. He expressed confidence that the training would significantly increase the number of innovations originating from KAFU, bringing the university closer to its goal of becoming a center for innovation and scientific excellence.
The training, facilitated by Ms. Brenda Andisi and Mr. Emmanuel Diribo from KIPI, covered key topics such as intellectual property (IP), various types of innovation, IP protection, patent claim drafting, and strategies for securing innovations beyond patents. This program aligns with KAFU’s Strategic Plan 2023–2027 and reinforces the university’s mission of teaching, research, and community service, all while addressing societal needs through innovation.
KIPI patent examiner Emmanuel Diribo presenting
Prof. Kipkemboi, the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academics, Student Affairs, and Research, emphasized the impact of the training, saying the society was looking to institutions like KAFU to provide innovative solutions to challenges that impede socioeconomic growth. He also highlighted that by equipping faculty with a strong understanding of intellectual property protection, KAFU would be better positioned to foster an environment of innovation and research excellence. This, in turn, would enable faculty to safeguard their inventions and contribute to Kenya’s growing knowledge economy.
Prof. Kipkemboi noted that Kenya was performing way below north, western and south African peers in number of patents registered and that whereas sectors like agriculture were our main drivers, most patents registered in Kenya were in ICT and fintech.
Acting DVC Academics, Student Affairs and Research Prof. Julius Kipkemboi delivering his remarks
This workshop is part of KIPI’s ongoing efforts to empower Kenyan educators and researchers to better understand and navigate the complexities of IP protection. By providing these tools, KIPI aims to foster an environment of innovation and creativity, ensuring that Kenya’s intellectual property landscape remains competitive on the global stage.
Director of Research, Innovation, and Outreach, Prof. Benson Ojwang, leading introductions during the workshop
Looking ahead, faculty members are now better equipped to protect their innovations and contribute to Kenya’s thriving innovation ecosystem. With continued support from institutions like KIPI, KAFU is poised to make significant strides in research and development, securing a bright future for its academic and entrepreneurial ventures.