- This year’s theme is “promoting climate smart agriculture and trade initiatives for sustainable economic growth”
- The event has attracted 75 exhibitors, up from 45 exhibitors who participated in different categories last year
Image: HILTON OTENYO
Preparations for the annual Kakamega Agriculture Society of Kenya Show have picked momentum as exhibitors put final touches on their stands.
The show resumed last year after a three-year break that was occasioned by the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.
This year’s event, whose theme is “promoting climate smart agriculture and trade initiatives for sustainable economic growth” will open its doors to the public on Wednesday.
ASK Western branch chairperson Dr Purity Anyanje said this year’s event pays more attention to the farmer.
“We expect that farmers will be the biggest beneficiaries from this event and as such, they will be charged Sh 150 entry fee instead of Sh 200 if they come in groups,” Anyanje said during a briefing at the showground.
A space has been reserved for farmers to exhibit and sell their products for free.
“Farmers will be able also to benefit from free training clinics for farmers during the event. We want farmers to showcase what they are doing and even those with problems to seek advice from experts,” she added.
Image: HILTON OTENYO
Issues of water shortage - that marred past events - have been resolved, the chairperson said, and every section will have access to clean water.
“We don’t want people to look at this show as just exhibition but a trade fair.”
Marketing committee chairman Peter Okwako said the show allows participants to display new technologies, and networking, that spurs development in agriculture, trade and allied sectors.
“Through collaborations with stakeholders, ASK Western branch is keen to provide a platform that allows exhibitors to share and embrace technologies and research through exhibitions that are geared towards disseminating agricultural and trade policies, commercial technologies, marketing linkages and farming solutions to the current dynamic climate changes,” said Okwako.
The show also creates a venue where farmers are able to engage with suppliers, companies, extension service providers and all other value chain actors and supporters who provide products and services related to their agricultural sector.
This year’s event has attracted 75 exhibitors, up from 45 who participated in different categories last year.
Some of the new entrants are Kerio Valley Development Authority, Kenya Bureau of Standard, Airtel Company, Department of Irrigation, Export Trading Company and University Fund Board among others.
Okwako said families are also catered for, with numerous amusement activities such as merry go rounds, go-kart riding, horse riding and bouncing castles set up.
Show goers will also be treated to local delicacies like eshihango, isindu, rabbit meat, omurere, tsisaka, mbuzi choma and many more, which will be sold at the event.