Peter Munyi
Chief Legal Officer of ICIPE – African Insect Science for Food and Health, Nairobi, Kenya
Peter Munyi is the Chief Legal Officer of ICIPE, an intergovernmental scientific organization based in Nairobi, Kenya. Peter is also an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya, and holds a Master of Laws from Stockholm University, as well as a law degree from Moi University, Kenya. Peter frequently provides advice to UN agencies, intergovernmental organizations and governments on laws and policies relating to agriculture, forestry, genetic resources, environment and intellectual property, and has published widely in these areas. Peter is currently a member of the Intellectual Property and Health Advisory Group (IPHAG) to the Kenya Ministry of Health. In 2003, he was Legal Advisor to the Government of Kenya delegation to the 5th WTO Ministerial Conference and served as Member of Government of Kenya WTO National sub-committees on agriculture, trade and environment and intellectual property.
Profile
“When scientists are carrying out research in developing countries, there is nothing in their plans to identify and protect novel technologies. This is something that will have to change.”
Peter distinguished himself as a top private lawyer in Kenya before turning to public policy questions surrounding IP. He has helped national governments and civil society groups navigate trade and development issues, and believes that African scientists are ready to take on a greater role in owning innovation. A prolific scholar, Peter is regularly cited by the media as an authority on legal issues related to science and health in Africa.
What is the biggest challenge facing innovation and IP at the moment?
“In developing countries, there is a lack of incentives in terms of who is carrying out the research and in the budget lines of the research projects. The expectations regarding clinical research is not as high as in western countries.”
What is one of the most influential publications you have read about innovation?
“The final report by the UK Commission on Intellectual Property Rights. It’s a must read if you want to understand IP and development.”
Where do you see the future of innovation?
“I think innovation, particularly in developing countries will be mostly sponsored by government research. Think of India and China; 20 years ago no one thought of them. In another twenty years, Africa and Latin America will be innovative too.”
What is an important lesson from your research?
“Again, it relates to expectations. The conducting and the funding of research must reflect a belief that scientists are discovering technologies that are novel and of value.”