Nanyuki: The Mt Kenya Agricultural Society Show (ASK) kicks off on Wednesday next week in Nanyuki Town with a reported increase in the number of exhibitors compared to last year. Branch Chairman Justus Maragara says preparations are complete with over 100 exhibitors drawn from across the country and beyond, including the Argentine Embassy and a Tanzania-based company, both of which are first-time participants.
According to Kenya News Agency, this event is a significant opportunity for residents to learn about evolving technologies in the agricultural sector, including livestock keeping. The knowledge gained can be applied in homesteads to help tackle food insecurity in the country. Under the theme ‘Promoting Climate-Smart Agriculture and Trade Initiatives for Sustainable Economic Growth,’ showgoers will have the chance to explore innovations and modern agribusiness, with crops and livestock on display.
A notable exhibition at the Department of Agriculture farm will feature coffee bushes, a non-traditional crop newly introduced and promoted in the semi-arid Laikipia County. The four-day event, which concludes on Saturday, 23rd May, has also attracted exhibitors from neighboring counties such as Nakuru, Nyandarua, Samburu, Nyeri, and Meru, all eager to showcase their services and goods.
Laikipia East Deputy County Commissioner Patrick Muli has assured visitors, traders, and exhibitors of heightened security surveillance in and around the show arena. He announced that a police post has been established within the showground, where security officers will be available to provide services day and night throughout the event.
‘We are well prepared in handling any security concerns during the Agricultural show. Patrols will also be conducted in and outside the Agricultural show grounds so our participants can learn without interruptions,’ assured the administrator. Meanwhile, with the show running from the 20th to the 23rd, participants are expected to enjoy a variety of entertainment, with kids set to enjoy bouncing castles among other fun activities.
