Mount Kenya University Intellectual Property Policy

Abstract

In pursuit of its Vision and Mission, Mount Kenya University (MKU) acknowledges the pivotal role research, innovation and other intellectual activities play in socio-economic development of any society. Thus, the University is continually motivating its employees and collaborators not to adopt a “me-too” approach in research undertakings, but rather to explore novel and innovative strategies. The evidence that MKU is giving research a high priority is embodied in various policy documents including the MKU Research Policy. Also, the University has underlined the importance of research through funding initiatives such as the recently launched Internal Research Grant termed as the “Vice-Chancellor’s Grant” to fund researchers and innovators. The University recognizes that incident to exploration and validation of novel ideas in research, innovation and other intellectual activities, new frontiers of knowledge are birthed. It is thus the University’s object to protect the rights of the individual, the University and any collaborating entity. Thus, the University endeavours, inter alia, through this Intellectual Property Policy to provide the necessary protections and incentives to encourage both the discovery and development of new knowledge and creative works, and their subsequent exploitation for the socio-economic development of the Kenyan people and the Region in line with the objectives of Vision 2030 and the Millennium Development Goals.