Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) Cougars will feature in the men's top-tier 15-a-side rugby league, Kenya Cup, for the first time in their history next season after a commanding 40-9 victory over former top-tier side Homeboyz in the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) Championship semi-final on April 18, 2026.

The Cougars, a team founded in the mid-1980s, produced a composed and clinical performance to secure promotion, leading 13-6 at halftime before pulling away decisively in the second half.

Player-coach Smith Muhoya, who marshals the side from flyhalf, described the achievement as a landmark moment for the club.

“The feeling of qualifying for Kenya Cup for the first time ever is really good. We beat Homeboyz 40-9 in the KRU Championship semi-final, it was 13-6 at halftime. The entire team was very happy, elated to be exact,” said Muhoya.

“Both the first and second team have been celebrating it since yesterday.”

Muhoya, 35, credited the milestone to months of preparation and collective sacrifice that began early in the season.

“We first set out a goal and worked hard towards it. We made sacrifices on time and made ourselves available for training sessions since August. This brought us together in one common purpose and ready to play for each other,” he explained.

In a match where the Cougars’ depth and cohesion were evident, Muhoya contributed two penalties and three conversions. Jeff Ojuok and Davies Masinga each scored a brace of tries each, while Karl Omito added another try. Masinga also slotted in a penalty.

Rather than singling out individuals, Muhoya emphasized the team-first ethos that has defined JKUAT’s campaign.

“To mention one person who has stood out would be a lie as I believe it has been everyone. Everyone stood up and decided to do this for the team. It has been a team effort all through, from both the first and second sides. It’s been a club effort,” he observed.

As newcomers to the Kenya Cup, Muhoya is under no illusion about the challenge that awaits.

“Yes, I think we will be targets. The new boys in the league and everyone will be looking at our game as a chance to get maximum points, but we will just go through our paces during the off and preseason and ensure we are ready for the challenge that will be laid in front of us,” he noted.

Balancing his dual role as player and coach has required structure and trust in his leadership group.

“I think the experience helps me, then early preparation of things. I lay out everything for the session and we just move through it. Also empowering the leadership group so that I can delegate duties to them in training,” he explained.

With promotion secured, the Cougars now turn their attention to KRU Championship final against Mwamba on May 2 and then consolidating their place among Kenya’s elite rugby sides, a new chapter for a club whose decades-long journey has finally reached the top tier.