Dr. Meshack Hawi has officially assumed leadership of the Directorate of Intellectual Property Management and University Liaison (DIPUIL) at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), following a formal handing-over ceremony held at the university. He succeeds Eng. B.K. Kariuki, who has served with distinction since his appointment on August 5, 2010.
Hawi’s appointment, conveyed through a letter dated July 11, 2025, reflects his extensive experience, deep knowledge of intellectual property (IP) matters, and a steadfast commitment to fostering innovation at JKUAT.
Having previously served in various capacities within the College of Engineering and Technology (COETEC), including as Acting Director of DIPUIL during key periods, Dr. Hawi is well-positioned to lead the Directorate into its next phase of growth and development.
Expressing his appreciation to the Vice Chancellor for the trust placed in him, Dr. Hawi conveyed his gratitude for the opportunity to lead the Directorate of Intellectual Property Management and University Liaison. He affirmed his commitment to fostering a culture of innovation, enhancing intellectual property awareness, and strengthening the university’s capacity to commercialize research outputs.
Acting Vice Chancellor and Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Prof. Robert Kinyua, congratulated Dr. Hawi on his two-year appointment as Director.
“I take this opportunity to congratulate you on your appointment. Your leadership comes at a pivotal time as the university strengthens its focus on innovation and the commercialization of research outcomes,” said Prof. Kinyua.
Dr. Hawi paid tribute to Eng. Kariuki, stating, ‘I am deeply honored by this opportunity and truly grateful for the example set by Eng. Kariuki. His visionary leadership has built a strong and enduring foundation, and I look forward to building upon it’.
Eng. Kariuki leaves behind a strong legacy, having been instrumental in establishing the structures and policies that underpin IP management at JKUAT. His tenure saw the integration of IP training into various academic programs, including Pharmacy and Mechanical Engineering, and the university’s capacity significantly strengthened through research and student training initiatives.
A highlight of his leadership was JKUAT achieving a record 18 patents cementing its position as the leading public university in Kenya in terms of patent holdings and a national leader in innovation.
“It has been an incredible honor to serve in this capacity and witness the growth of innovation and intellectual property awareness across the university. I am confident the Directorate is in capable hands and will continue to thrive,” said Eng. Kariuki during the ceremony.
Also present at the event were members of the Intellectual Property Management Board (IPMAB), led by Chair Dr. Christian Adenya, and Dr. Hiram Ndiritu, Principal, College of Engineering and Technology (COETEC), who commended Eng. Kariuki for his immense contribution and pledged support to Dr. Hawi as he takes the helm.
