Sammy Ziro Lewa

My name is Sammy Ziro Lewa. I joined the Kenya Industrial Property Institute (KIPI) in 2013 as a Pharmaceutical Patent Examiner. I have a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (Upper Division) from the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology.

Since joining KIPI in 2013, I have Trained with IP Australia for two years on Regional Patent Examination Training Program. I have also trained with the Japan Patent Office, Norwegian Industrial Property Office and Korean Intellectual Property Office in Collaboration with the World Intellectual Property Office in Advanced Professional Development Courses on Patent Procedures, Patent Law and Examination  I have developed advanced skills in Patent Examination and searching across multiple Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology issues.   

The MPhil in Intellectual Property, KNUST is a well-structured course which, in my view will offer exposure to a wide range of intellectual property issues affecting the African continent. The course will enhance the development of solutions that are tailored to solve African technological and development problems. As a Patent Examiner, the course offers me exposure to a broader range on intellectual property issues and their management, especially from an African perspective. This is not only beneficial to me as an Examiner but offers me more knowledge to be an ambassador of IP in my country.   

Therefore, I expect to gain a substantive understanding of the intellectual property issues including policies and how intellectual property knowledge learned from the course can be applied in fostering economic development in my country and Africa at large.