The Inuka Tech Fellows who are at JHUB during the Masterclass/HANDOUT
Inuka Tech Fellowship participants have been trained on how to protect and commercialise their innovations through an Intellectual Property (IP) Master Class at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT).
The hands-on session was held on August 19, 2026, and was organised by JHUB Africa in partnership with JKUAT’s Directorate of Intellectual Property Management and University Industry Liaison (DIPUIL).
The training focused on giving the fellows practical knowledge on identifying innovations that require protection, disclosing them early, registering them and eventually turning them into income.
Facilitators included DIPUIL Director Dr Meshack Hawi, Intellectual Property Management Officer and University Industry Liaison Officer Jenner Akwale, and Terry Akinyi.
They took the fellows through the Invention Disclosure Form (IDF) and Software Disclosure Form (SDF). The two documents formally begin the process of protecting an invention or software.
The fellows were also taken through the journey of an idea, from creation and confidential disclosure to DIPUIL, to IP search, registration, commercialisation and benefit-sharing.
The training highlighted the importance of seeking protection before publicly presenting innovations.
Many of the fellows are developing software products and regularly participate in hackathons and innovation competitions. Such public presentations can expose innovators to the risk of losing IP rights if protection has not been sought.
The fellows were therefore encouraged to disclose their work before making public presentations.
The session also addressed ownership issues among innovators working in teams. Participants were encouraged to agree early on contributions and revenue sharing to reduce potential disputes in future.
The training also clarified JKUAT’s benefit-sharing model, giving fellows a framework for working together even when team members graduate or move on to other opportunities.
Dr. Meshak Hawi, Director of the Directorate of Intellectual Property Management and University Industry Liaison (DIPUIL), speaking during the Masterclass./HANDOUT
Beyond legal protection, the fellows were encouraged to view IP as a pathway to entrepreneurship, job creation and economic growth.
The Master Class is part of JHUB Africa’s efforts to equip Inuka Tech Fellowship participants with practical skills to move their innovations from idea to market.
The KPC Foundation, in partnership with Power Learn Project (PLP) and JHUB, launched the Inuka Tech Fellowship in June 2026.
The fully sponsored six-month programme has 45 young Kenyans and focuses on practical skills in data analytics, cloud computing, security operations and Fibre Optic cable installation.
The in-person fellowship uses an apprenticeship-style model that combines technical training with real-world simulations, mentorship and peer learning.
Fellows also receive training in Python, machine learning, dashboard development, automation tools and data storytelling, applying the skills to problems in sectors including energy, fintech, healthcare, logistics, retail and the public sector.
The programme also provides global certification, masterclasses and hackathons before fellows transition to apprenticeships and job placements.
Upon completion, participants will be positioned for roles including Fiber Optic Technicians, Operational Data Analysts, Business Intelligence Analysts, Energy Analytics Specialists, Supply Chain Analysts and Predictive Analytics Engineers.
