This week the Africa Legal podcast series features erudite lawyer Kenneth Muhangi in a wide ranging interview with Tom Pearson on new technology, its pitfalls and the golden rules.

Kenneth, is an accomplished managing partner at KTA Advocates, which is a leading   law firm in East Africa. He advises as well as represents the Ugandan government on a number of platforms both locally and abroad.

Kenneth specialises on intellectual property and technology and is passionate about young inventors safeguarding their innovations. From Fintech to Blockchain and AI, he talks about why going into a market without a foolproof plan will result in millions of investments going down the drain.

That is why he says having a good lawyer, one that understands the product, the market and policy environment, coupled with the law, is among the golden rules when it comes to protecting your intellectual property. 

Kenneth is a proponent of drone technology not just in Uganda but the African continent. He makes a clear and coherent argument for greater use of drones, especially in instances where they are faster, more efficient and sometimes cheaper. For example, being able to deliver life saving medication in areas that cannot be traversed through traditional transportation or even surveying and mapping animals to prevent human and wildlife conflict. 

He discusses with Tom why borders have become less important in African markets and how the synergy created by the Amani IP Network can assist clients in foreign territory.

Some businesses, Kenneth says, are more likely to have a digital presence rather than a physical one, reaping almost the same benefits, minus the cost of setting up an office.

And it is not only businesses who are keen on digitising. 

Pleasantly surprising for Kenneth, even the silks of the Ugandan judiciary have embraced the new technology and have shown an eagerness to learn how video and audio tools can be effective in the courtroom - one is never too old to learn.

Kenneth ends the conversation with some profound advice, not just for lawyers or business but anyone wanting to succeed in life. 

Listen to the interview on Soundcloud, Spotify or Apple Podcasts. 

To join Africa Legal's mailing list please click here