Egerton University emerged as one of the biggest winners at the 2026 Nakuru National Agricultural Society of Kenya (ASK) Show after clinching five major awards in recognition of excellence in agricultural research, innovation and climate-smart technologies.
The university won First Place in the Best University Stand, Best Stand Interpreting the Current Show Theme (Education and Research) and Best Innovation and Invention Stand categories. It also secured Second Place in both the Best Stand in Research and Development (Education) and Best Agro-Processing Stand categories.
In addition, the university received an official Certificate of Participation from the ASK Central Rift Branch in recognition of its contribution as a leading exhibitor at the annual agricultural exhibition.
The awards were presented during the closing ceremony of the five-day show at the Nakuru Showground by Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture Sen. Mutahi Kagwe and received on behalf of the university by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Isaac Kibwage.
Held under the theme, "Promoting Climate Smart Agriculture and Trade Initiatives for Sustainable Economic Growth," this year's exhibition brought together universities, research institutions, government agencies, private companies and farmers to showcase technologies aimed at strengthening food security and sustainable agricultural development.
Egerton University's exhibition village distinguished itself through practical innovations developed from years of scientific research and community engagement. The exhibits demonstrated how research institutions can provide solutions to emerging challenges such as climate change, declining soil fertility, water scarcity and food insecurity.
Among the highlights was a climate-smart greenhouse showcasing high-yield tomato production under protected cultivation. The university also displayed the Egerloo Revolutionary Waterless Toilet, an environmentally sustainable sanitation technology that promotes water conservation and improved waste management.
Other exhibits attracted significant public interest, including soil-less aquaponics systems integrating fish farming with vegetable production, fish breeding technologies, tissue culture potato seedlings, organic fertilizer developed through the Nakuru Living Lab hosted by Egerton University, Egerton University honey, sorghum bread and engineering innovations designed to improve agricultural production and value addition.
The livestock section remained one of the busiest areas of the exhibition village. Visitors thronged the pavilion to view championship dairy cattle, quality breeding goats and rabbits, while a resident llama became a favourite attraction among families and schoolchildren.
The university's success reflected not only the quality of its exhibits but also the institutional leadership behind them.
Throughout the five-day exhibition, members of the University Management Board maintained a visible presence at the exhibition village, interacting with researchers, technical staff, students, farmers and industry stakeholders. Their engagement underscored the university's commitment to supporting research, innovation and technology transfer through collaborative leadership.
Speaking after receiving the awards, Prof. Kibwage congratulated members of staff, researchers and students for their dedication and professionalism.
He said the university's success was built on collaboration across faculties, departments and administrative units, reaffirming Egerton University's commitment to producing research that contributes to food security, environmental sustainability and national development.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic, Research and Extension) Prof. Bernard Aduda said the exhibition illustrated the importance of linking teaching, research and extension to ensure innovations reach farming communities where they create meaningful impact.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration, Finance and Planning) Prof. George Muthaa commended the commitment demonstrated by staff throughout the exhibition, noting that successful participation in a national exhibition requires effective planning, prudent resource management and strong institutional coordination.
Principal of Nakuru City Campus College Prof. George Ogendi said agricultural exhibitions provide an important platform for strengthening partnerships between universities, industry and communities through knowledge exchange and innovation.
Director of Research Prof. George Owuor praised researchers and technical teams for translating scientific discoveries into technologies that address national development priorities, while Registrar (Academic Affairs) Prof. Mwanarusi Saidi described the exhibition as an invaluable experiential learning platform where students engage directly with farmers, entrepreneurs, researchers and policymakers.
Members of the University Management Board unanimously congratulated the staff, students, technicians and researchers whose commitment and teamwork made the university's outstanding performance possible, noting that the awards reflected an institutional culture founded on excellence, innovation and public service.
Egerton University has maintained a strong presence at the Nakuru National ASK Show over the years, using the annual exhibition to transfer research and technology from its laboratories and classrooms to farmers, agribusinesses and industry.
The University's loperformance at the 2026 edition reaffirmed the institution's leadership in agricultural education, research and innovation while highlighting the growing role of universities in advancing climate-smart agriculture and sustainable economic development.
