Building on the success of its initial launch several years ago, this year’s cohort is already deep into an intensive curriculum designed to redefine agricultural mechanization in Kenya.
At the helm of the initiative are two of the university's most distinguished academic leaders: Eng. Prof. Japheth Onyando, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, and Dr. Patrick Wamalwa, a specialist in agricultural machinery.
Under the auspices of the Centre for Integrated Water and Basin Management (CIWAB), the program continues its mission to transform trainees from mere drivers into professional "OPERATORS" who serve as the backbone of the nation’s food security.
The two-week program is famously rigorous, utilizing the university’s vast farm for 70% practical sessions. Trainees work with diverse tractor models to master safety, routine maintenance, and precision farm practices.
Beyond technical skill, the curriculum integrates agro-business and bookkeeping, ensuring graduates can manage the commercial side of farming.
A key highlight remains the partnership with Hello Tractor. Through "smart" booking technology, the program empowers youth and women to monitor tractor operations via smartphones—tracking fuel and location in real-time.
This tech-forward approach not only prepares students for their NTSA Class G12 exams but also provides a clear pathway to tractor ownership and entrepreneurship.
As the first week concludes, the Faculty of Engineering reinforces its position as a leader in modernizing Kenya’s agricultural landscape, one operator at a time.
By Kurian Musa
