Egerton University and CFAO mobility Kenya have officially entered into a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening mechanised agriculture training, innovation and technology transfer through the university’s Department of Agricultural Engineering.
The collaboration was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed and officiated by Egerton University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Isaac Kibwage, during a ceremony attended by senior university leadership and representatives from CFAO Kenya led by Finance Director Patrick Karanja.
According to the partners, the initiative is expected to boost agricultural productivity by promoting the adoption of modern mechanisation technologies, enhancing practical training for students, and improving access to efficient farming solutions for Kenyan farmers.
Prof. Kibwage described the partnership as a significant step toward strengthening innovation and applied research in agriculture, noting that it will bridge the gap between academic training and industry needs.
He emphasized that the collaboration will expose students to hands-on experience, mentorship programmes and real-world agricultural engineering applications.
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Prof. Kibwage further highlighted CFAO Kenya’s continued support in agricultural training, noting that the organisation has already facilitated the training of over 700 tractor operators since 2023 and has also been involved in organising farmers’ open days at the university.
As part of the new agreement, CFAO Kenya donated two tractor engines to the Faculty of Agricultural Engineering to support practical training and enhance technical capacity among students.
The partnership will also align with Kenya’s Competency-Based Education (CBE) framework by integrating experiential learning and industry exposure into academic programmes.
CFAO Kenya representatives expressed appreciation for the long-standing collaboration with Egerton University, describing it as a key platform for nurturing future agri-entrepreneurs and promoting technology transfer in the agricultural sector.
The company also noted that 15 of its current employees are Egerton University alumni, out of a workforce of 60 in relevant departments.
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The MoU outlines several areas of cooperation, including joint training programmes, internships and apprenticeships with potential employment opportunities, research collaborations and student-led pilot projects aimed at demonstrating the effectiveness of mechanised farming technologies.
The partnership is expected to strengthen Kenya’s agricultural sector by improving efficiency, reducing labour costs, and increasing yields through modern mechanisation while also equipping graduates with industry-relevant skills.
University senior management present during the event included Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs Prof. Bernard Aduda, DVC Administration, Finance and Planning Prof. George Muthaa, Registrar Academic Affairs Prof. Mwanarusi Saidi, Principal of Town Campus Prof. George Ogendi, Director of Research and Extension Prof. George Owuor, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology Prof. Japheth Oyando, University Librarian JaneGrace Kinyanjui, and Acting Chief Finance Officer Anthony Ndukanio.
By Philip Koech
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