Public Lecture on The Role of Intellectual Property in Promoting Research and Innovation by Mr. Stanley Shikhule Atsali

Public lectures are critical elements in the life of academicians, as it offers them an opportunity to learn more things from diverse disciplines. Hence to enhance diversity in a multidisciplinary approach, the University held a public lecture on the role of Intellectual Property in Promoting Research and Innovation on 10th March 2020 at the Kerio Hall. The Public Lecture which was organized by the office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Planning Research and Extension in conjunction with the Directorate of Research and Innovation saw the speaker of the day Mr. Stanley Shikhule Atsali from Kenya Industrial Property Institute (KIPI) present his key insights on the role of Intellectual Property in Promoting Research and Innovation.

The Public Lecture was officially opened by Prof. Philip Raburu (DVC PRE) on behalf of the University Vice-Chancellor who reiterated the milestones made by the University in enhancing research and innovation. He, however, reiterated the importance of Universities adopting Intellectual Property Policies, which he noted will be ideal for Universities to benefit from their research and innovation. Prof. Raburu appreciated members of staff and students who attended the Public Lecture and implored that the lesson they will get from this lecture will enhance their shared knowledge.

The speaker of the day Mr. Stanley Shikhule Atsali on his part reiterated the ideal role of Universities through Intellectual Property in generating innovative products and processes, protecting the generated innovative products and processes and commercializing the generated Intellectual Property assets. He highlighted that there are two types of properties that can either be tangible (assets) and intangible (knowledge and ideas). However, he indicated that in Kenya, Intellectual Property rights include patents for invention, utility models, industrial designs for the look of articles of industry, marks for identification of goods and services, copyrights and plant breeder's rights. Mr. Atsali advised innovators to do thorough research and also seek consultation from KIPI for them to Google Patent search to avoid reinvention of the wheel which saves on time and minimizes wastage of funds.

Mr. Atsali, however, pointed some challenges to the protection of Intellectual Property Assets which he attributed to the lack of institutional Intellectual Property policy, inadequate staffing & funding of university Intellectual Property offices and inadequate drafting skills. He further urged Universities to have an Intellectual Property rights system which he noted was the only ideal way of protecting University-owned assets.

Also present during the Public Lecture were; Members of the University Management Board, Director Research and Innovation Prof. Vincent Sudoi, University Staff and Students.