ASK show resumes after two-year Covid-19 break

The Central Kenya Agricultural Society of Kenya show is expected to take place this week from September 7 to 10.

The event resumes after a two-year break following the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic in March 2020.

It was skipped in the year 2020 and 2021.

After the first case of the disease was reported in Kenya in March 2020, the government banned all huge gatherings, to curb the spread of the disease.

“The Ministry of Health introduced protocols including social distancing and we could not hold any show because show goers would have to interact with other people from all walks of life,” Central Kenya ASK show chairman Patrick Karinga said on Friday.

The ASK show attracts tens of thousands of people yearly.

Karinga said preparations are on high gear including revamping of dilapidated buildings, that have not been in use for the last two years.

He spoke during a visit to inspect the ongoing preparations for the event at the Kabiru-ini showground.

Karinga said this year’s Nyeri show has attracted more than 110 exhibitors including financial institutions, institutions of high learning, health and hospitality institutions.

Others are form agriculture, livestock, fisheries, trade and manufacturing sectors.

Also, non-governmental organisations, community based organisations, youth enterprise and women based groups.

About 60 to 80 livestock are expected at the ASK show this year themed “Promoting Innovation and Technology in Agriculture and Trade.”

“The light note segment through which funfair activities are expected to play a bigger role of entertainment, will definitely be abundant,” Karinga said.

He further appealed to farmers and entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas to attend and take part in the event saying it will be providing a favourable platform for the display of technology and innovation in its diversities.

Security has also been beefed to ensure those in attendance are safe.

(Edited by Bilha Makokha)