Kenya’s innovation ecosystem pulsed with energy as more than 90 participants including inventors, aspiring beneficiaries, patent experts, and volunteers came together online for an inspiring Inventor Assistance Program (IAP) webinar, held on May 7, 2025. Designed to empower local inventors with the knowledge and tools to protect their groundbreaking ideas, the event combined dynamic expert presentations and interactive sessions, creating a space for learning and connection.
The event wasn’t just a technical webinar, it was a celebration of Kenya’s next success stories. Each inventor represented a potential solution, product, or breakthrough that could improve lives locally, regionally, and even globally.
Hosted in partnership with the Kenya Industrial Property Institute (KIPI) and under the theme “Protecting Your Invention Seamlessly”, the event focused on one of the most exciting, and often most challenging parts of the innovation journey – understanding patentability requirements. The KIPI and IAP team provided essential information about patentable inventions and eligibility for the Program, which connects under-resourced inventors with pro bono patent attorneys, opening doors to free legal assistance and expert guidance that can make all the difference on the journey from idea to impact.
In his opening remarks, KIPI’s Managing Director Mr. John Onyango emphasized the importance of the IAP for Kenyan MSMEs, noting that many are unable to file for patents due to a lack of knowledge about the application process. Even when applications are submitted, they are frequently rejected at the formality stage. He stated:
It is evident that our MSMEs need support, given that 70,290 jobs created in 2024 alone came from the MSME sector. Furthermore, the thousands of graduates we produce annually from our universities, technical, and vocational training institutions are venturing into entrepreneurship, further increasing the numbers in this crucial sector. Therefore, access to quality legal services is essential to ensure the success of the inventions they will file in the country with KIPI and other IP offices.
Mr. John Onyango
Ms. Allison Mages, Head, IP Commercialization Section at WIPO, highlighted that “in Kenya innovation has been strategically embedded into the country’s long-term vision” and the IAP’s partnership “stands as a testament to the country’s commitment to support and ensure that under-resourced Kenyan inventors have the opportunity to protect and commercialize their ideas”.
The event showcased the power of collaboration: government institutions, legal professionals, and creative minds all working together to ensure that lack of legal knowledge or financial barriers do not stand in the way of innovation. It also marked the second anniversary of Kenya joining the IAP, and ten Kenyan innovators already supported.
The main speakers – Mr. Ziro Lewa and Ms. Belinda Ilagosa, KIPI’s Senior Patent Examiners, provided clear steps and encouragement to those ready to take the next step, sharing smart strategies for assessing invention readiness, avoiding common pitfalls, and preparing strong applications. Their insights helped demystify patentability criteria, including tips on clear invention description, novelty checks, developing a technical plan and disclosure of financial need proof for IAP support.
Watch the video: Before Applying for Patent Protection – Five Tips for Inventors (Ziro Lewa)
Ms. Concilia Were, Assistant Manager, Legal Services & Assistant Registrar of Trade Marks, KIPI, also gave a clear and practical overview regarding the local eligibility criteria for becoming an IAP beneficiary, giving clear steps to those ready to take the next step.
The virtual room buzzed with excitement as local innovators eager to bring their ideas to market engaged directly with experienced patent experts and volunteers ready to help guide them through the process. Participants tested their knowledge in a lively quiz show, and at the end, one lucky winner walked away with an amazing prize: a free one-on-one consultation with a patent attorney to help fast-track their innovation journey. Special thanks to Ms. Mary Mutoro, Partner at Mukele Moni and Company Advocates, for not only sharing her testimonial about her experience as an IAP patent attorney volunteer, but also for generously offering a free consultation to the quiz winner, making the event even more engaging and impactful for participants.
As Kenya continues to rise as an innovation hub, initiatives like the IAP, supported by dedicated partners such as KIPI and passionate volunteers, are laying the groundwork for inclusive, sustainable growth in this knowledge-driven economy.