Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary, Mutahi Kagwe, has asked counties in the central region to take advantage of the annual regional Agricultural Society of Kenya show to tap into new farming innovations being exhibited during the fair.
Speaking during the official opening of the 2025 agricultural fair at Kabiru-ini showgrounds in Nyeri last Friday, Kagwe also challenged more county government agencies to utilize the show as a platform to market products, innovations and services as a way of marketing the counties to the show goers.
This is after it emerged that a majority of the over 90 exhibitors during this year’s show were from the host county, Nyeri despite the region comprising Nyandarua, Kirinyaga, Murang’a and Kiambu. However, Nyandarua was represented by Nyandarua National Polytechnic who joined the list of first-time exhibitors at the 57-year-old fair.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank governors in the region for showing great interest in the central Kenya show. And for us to make it a really Central show, we need more participation from other counties and county governments and from county assemblies in our region,” Kagwe said.
“We need more participation from agricultural organisations, we need more participation from organisations that are interested in reaching the farmers’ market. Of most importance, we would like to see many more farmers attend these shows so that they can benefit from the products that are being offered in farm and animal husbandry,” added Kagwe.
Kagwe, however, acknowledged the Central Region and Nyeri County in particular, as a breadbasket and hub of innovation.
He noted that with the favourable climate, rich soils, and modern agro-processing systems, the region continues to be a vital pillar to the country’s food security adding that his Ministry will continue to support it as it plays a leadership role in agricultural transformation.
This year’s show was staged under the theme Promoting Climate Smart Agriculture and Trade Initiatives for Sustainable Economic Growth with the CS noting that it underscores the Government’s commitment to sustainable innovation in the agriculture sector, as captured in Kenya Vision 2030 and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
The CS also reiterated that the Government is committed to sustainable, climate-smart agriculture while ensuring farmers are cushioned through market interventions and subsidies.
Kagwe also pledged to ensure that Kenya complies with the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) within set timelines so that local produce remains competitive and sustainable in international markets.
“Climate smart agriculture calls for responsible stewardship of our natural resources. We encourage the planting of tree cover in steep areas to prevent soil erosion and to protect our rivers. In addition, to keep river water clean for both people and livestock and to prevent the spread of waterborne diseases, we must only use proper, approved pesticides,” he said.
Agricultural Society of Kenya national chairperson, Edith Onzele, said that the society remains committed to providing platforms that drive innovation, collaboration and progress in the agricultural sector.
She said that the show had provided a forum for ASK to foster climate resilience, enhance market access and encourage knowledge exchange, tipping the country for a thriving and sustainable agricultural eco-system.
“We reaffirm our commitment to working closely with the national government, county governments and all relevant stakeholders to create an enabling environment that supports the realization of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda,” she said.
Central Kenya ASK show chairman, Patrick Munuhe said that the fair had served as key venue for promoting agriculture and trade in the central region.
He noted that the exhibitors and the visitors had also benefited from knowledge exchange and business linkages that they could utilize to open new markets and contribute to regional and national economic growth.
“We are happy to witness new strategies, technologies and climate smart practices on display, all aimed at promoting sustainable agricultural production and resilience. This year’s show has attracted over 90 trade exhibitors alongside participation in the livestock and farm and dairy section. This participation reflects the confidence in our platform and its relevance to development both regionally and nationally,” said Munuhe.
