The 125th edition of the Nairobi International Trade Fair has kicked off at Jamhuri Park Showground in Nairobi, with about 400 exhibitors from Kenya and abroad displaying agricultural technologies, livestock products, machinery, and digital tools. The Agricultural Society of Kenya (ASK), which organises the seven-day event, expects around 600,000 visitors this year, up from 400,000 last year. The fair aims to showcase how technology can change farming practices and help farmers deal with climate-related challenges.
Drones, artificial intelligence, and climate-resilient seeds are among the key technologies being showcased at the fair. ASK Chief Executive Officer Batram Muthoka said the exhibition is demonstrating how technology can transform farming practices, including the use of drones for spraying farms. The fair also features seed varieties designed to withstand conditions linked to climate change, such as high temperatures and drought. Muthoka noted that one of the key focuses this year is climate-smart agriculture.
The exhibition is also exposing farmers to agricultural technologies from international exhibitors, including irrigation equipment and tractors from Thailand. ASK Nairobi Branch Chairman Levi Mukhweso said the show provides an opportunity for farmers to learn how to use artificial intelligence to determine which crops to plant and how to plan for changing weather conditions. The fair also features modern livestock production, value addition, and farming technologies.
Tuesday's programme focuses on livestock and county-level enterprise, with a focus on modern livestock production, value addition, and farming technologies. Farmers can explore technologies aimed at improving productivity and incomes, while counties and exhibitors showcase agricultural and enterprise initiatives. Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja is the chief guest. President William Ruto, ASK's national patron, is expected to attend the official opening on Wednesday.
The fair's programme includes various themed days, with Thursday designated as Life Governors Day, focusing on ASK leadership, agricultural and business innovations, and the evolution of the trade fair. Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya will be the chief guest. Friday will be Members and Schools Day, featuring school-based agricultural projects and youth engagement with agriculture, technology, and enterprise.
The weekend programme will open the exhibition to the wider public, with Saturday designated Family Day, featuring agricultural education, technology demonstrations, and youth and community activities. University of Nairobi Vice Chancellor Ayub Gitau will be the guest. The fair will close on Sunday, October 4, with an interdenominational thanksgiving service, followed by reflections on agriculture, technology, and innovation.
The Nairobi International Trade Fair has been running for 125 editions, with this year's event showcasing the latest technologies and innovations in agriculture. The fair provides a platform for farmers, exhibitors, and government officials to discuss the future of agriculture and trade. With a focus on climate-smart agriculture, the event aims to equip farmers with the tools and knowledge to adapt to changing weather conditions and improve productivity.
Key points
- The fair showcases technologies such as drones and artificial intelligence to transform farming practices.
- The event focuses on climate-smart agriculture, with seed varieties designed to withstand high temperatures and drought.
- The fair provides a platform for farmers to learn from international exhibitors and access technologies aimed at improving productivity and incomes.
