By John Emeripus
NJORO, KENYA | October 29, 2026
Egerton University is exploring a partnership with the Kenya Ploughing Organisation (KPO), under the Agricultural Society of Kenya (ASK), ahead of the proposed 12th World Ploughing Championship scheduled for December 2027.
The engagement took place at the University's Main Campus in Njoro during a courtesy call by the Kenya Ploughing Organization( KPO) delegation on Acting Vice-Chancellor Prof. George Muthaa. He was accompanied by Deputy Vice-Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs Prof. Bernard Aduda and Director of Research and Extension Prof. George Owuor.
The delegation was led by Dr. Perminus K. Migwi of ASK Nakuru Show and included Mr. Richard Aiyabei, KPO member; Dr. Amos Kirui- Branch Manager, ASK Central Region; J.J. Gitonga-National KPO Coach; Ms Rebecca Naabu-KPO member, Central Rift Branch; and Dr. Maina Kariuki of Tegemeo Institute.
Egerton University Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. George Muthaa, in his office, meets a Kenya Ploughing Organisation (KPO) delegation at the Main Campus in Njoro on October 29, 2026, to discuss a proposed partnership ahead of the 2027 World Ploughing Championship.
The delegation outlined the technical and logistical requirements for the proposed championship, including competition fields, tractors, workshop facilities, accommodation and equipment storage.
The discussions focused on the University's potential role in hosting the international competition and opportunities to strengthen agricultural mechanisation, practical training and technical capacity development.
The event is expected to attract competitors from approximately 30 countries, with each country fielding two ploughmen. It would feature reversible and conventional ploughing, requiring suitable machinery and carefully prepared fields.
(From left to Right); Egerton University management DVC-Academic Affairs Prof Benard Aduda, Prof. George Owuor-Director Research and Extension Ms Rebecca Naabu-KPO Board member and Kenya Ploughing Organisation (KPO) representatives during a consultative meeting at the Main Campus in Njoro on October 29, 2026, to explore the University's potential role in hosting the proposed 2027 World Ploughing Championship.
The delegation identified New Holland tractors, generally ranging from 60 to 80 horsepower, as the proposed equipment for the competition. It also emphasised the need for two types of competition fields: plots with crop residues, such as wheat or oat stubble, and grassland that has remained unploughed for several years.
Uniform field conditions would be essential to ensure fairness among competitors. Workshop facilities equipped for mechanical repairs, puncture handling and welding would also be required, alongside adequate space for receiving and storing machinery brought in by participating countries.
The delegation noted that some competitors might arrive weeks before the championship to familiarise themselves with the fields and undertake practice sessions, making early logistical planning essential.
Prof. Muthaa welcomed the discussions and emphasised the importance of partnerships that deliver lasting benefits beyond the proposed event.
He called for collaboration to strengthen the University's practical training facilities, particularly through improved access to workshop tools, agricultural machinery and technical equipment. He noted that partnerships with industry organisations could help bridge equipment gaps and enhance hands-on learning for students.
The Acting Vice-Chancellor underscored the importance of combining classroom instruction with practical experience to prepare graduates for the demands of the agricultural sector. He also identified the University's accommodation facilities as a potential resource for visiting participants, subject to availability and further arrangements.
The meeting further highlighted the need to assess road access, transport and other logistical requirements to facilitate the movement of competitors, tractors and support teams.
For Egerton University, the proposed championship presents an opportunity to showcase its agricultural expertise while strengthening links between academic training, research and industry. For KPO, the engagement provides an opportunity to assess the University's potential suitability as a host institution.
Further consultations will determine the hosting arrangements, facility requirements and respective contributions of the parties. The University's role in the championship remains subject to confirmation.
By John Emeripus
Communication Manger ,Egerton University
