12 Outstanding UoN Staff and Students Innovators Rewarded
On Wednesday, March 25, 2026, The University of Nairobi through the Division of Intellectual Property and Management Office (IPMO)under the Research Office, awarded 12 outstanding staff and student Innovators from the 2025 Research and Innovation Week held last year in October.
Among the six students that were recognized, Ronald Shiloli, received Kshs. 50,000. Ronald’s Innovation was an App called Taxby that provided sustainable solution to urban parking. Kebosa Sianyo, received Kshs. 35,000, Steve Ongera, Kshs. 25000, Hannah Gathoni, Janet Dete and David Kimani received Kshs. 10,000 each.
Dr. Esther Kanduma led the staff awardees; she received a cheque of Kshs. 50,000. Her innovation, ‘Uyoga’ – a low-cost protein-rich super food. Dr. Marianne Muriithi, received Kshs. 35,000, Dr. Bernard Rop, Kshs 25,000, Dr. Richard Mibey, Kshs. 20,000 , Dr. Nillian Mukungu and Dr. Oscar Koech received Kshs. 10,000 each.
The event highlighted the university’s growing focus on moving ideas beyond laboratories and classrooms into real-world applications and sustainable enterprises.
Highlighting the institution’s strategic direction, Prof. Leonidah Kerubo, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Enterprise (RIE), emphasized a shift in research culture. She noted that the university is transitioning from research primarily aimed at publication toward research designed for public good and societal impact.
On behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. John Mande announced the University’s commitment to providing financial support to innovators while reviewing IPMO policies to ensure they fairly benefit both the institution and individual innovators.
Speaking during the session, Prof. Marc Zolver, a foreign expert serving at the Directorate of Advancement, highlighted the opportunities that the Engineering Science Complex will create for innovators to work closely with the industry. He encouraged the Innovators to remain responsive to market demands while strengthening critical skills such as teamwork, creativity, communication, and analytical thinking. He emphasized that innovation succeeds when ideas move from concept to impact through continuous improvement, scaling, and collaboration with existing innovations.
The importance of commercialization was further reinforced by Prof. Maina Wagacha, Director of the Intellectual Property Management Office (IPMO). He noted that innovation achieves its full value only when it reaches the market and serves communities. Prof. Maina also acknowledged that it cannot achieve commercialization in isolation. Key partners that have supported this process, UK-Kenya Tech Hub for providing mentorship and ecosystem support, particularly in health-tech and med-tech, Industry Collaborations, Strategic alliances with entities such as Silk Origin Limited, various banks (ABSA, KCB, NCBA), and government bodies like KENIA, NRF, and KIPI.
“When you think innovation, think commercialization,” he stated, adding that the university has built a vibrant ecosystem ready to support innovators throughout the entire innovation journey, from idea development to commercialization. He also affirmed that the IPMO office is prepared to provide intellectual property support for all innovative ideas.
The gathering reflected a clear institutional vision: fostering an innovation ecosystem where ideas are nurtured, protected, funded, and ultimately transformed into solutions that drive economic growth and address real societal challenges.
