Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) rolled out the red carpet for its finest athletes during a special luncheon hosted by Vice Chancellor Prof. Victoria Ngumi on Tuesday, June 2, 2026.

The atmosphere was reminiscent of a grand sporting awards gala as the athletes came out in stylish outfits themed black and white. The event brought together student-athletes, coaches and sports administrators to celebrate a season that will be remembered as one of the University’s most successful in recent years.

Throughout the 2025/2026 season, JKUAT athletes showcased exceptional talent across various disciplines, competing in the Kenya Universities Sports Association (KUSA) Games and national open leagues. Their efforts culminated in an impressive haul of 35 medals and trophies, comprising nine (9) gold, sixteen (16) silver and ten (10) bronze awards.

Adding to the University’s water tight sporting reputation, JKUAT was recognized as the Most Disciplined University, an accolade that was lauded by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Victoria Ngumi as a fitting statement of University’s values .

Among the standout achievements of the season was the historic promotion of the JKUAT Cougars Rugby Team to the Kenya Cup, the country’s premier rugby league. The milestone marks a new chapter for the team and places its players on a bigger stage where they can attract national attention and potentially earn selection to Kenya’s national sevens and fifteens squads.

The University’s women’s hockey team also etched its name into the history books after securing promotion to the Premier League, affirming JKUAT’s growing stature as a powerhouse in hockey.

Addressing the athletes, Prof. Ngumi applauded their dedication, discipline and determination, noting that their achievements had elevated the University’s profile nationally and inspired the broader student community.

She added that the athletes have brought honor to the University, strengthening its reputation on the national stage.

“Our student-athletes, competing across the Kenya Universities Sports Association framework and various national platforms, have once again demonstrated that excellence at JKUAT is not a fluke,” said Prof. Ngumi.

Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs, Prof. Robert Kinyua, lauded the achievements, noting that the students have done the University proud despite tightening resource envelopes. He urged the athletes to continue mentoring their peers, observing that with the rollout of CBE in 2029, sports will assume an even greater role for students in sports.

He further encouraged students to emulate the Director of Sports, Dr. Waweru Kamaku, a FIFA-accredited referee, as an example of how sporting talent can be translated into a sustainable livelihood.

Director of Sports, Dr. Waweru Kamaku, commended the athletes for their outstanding commitment, noting their ability to pursue victory on the field while effectively balancing demanding academic coursework.

Also present at the forum were the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research, Production and Extension, Prof. Hiram Ndiritu, and the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration and Finance, Prof. Daniel Sila who both underscored the University’s commitment to supporting sports development as an integral part of student growth and institutional excellence. Click here for photo gallery