The Mt Kenya Agricultural Society of Kenya (ASK) show opens Wednesday next week in Nanyuki Town with over 100 exhibitors already confirmed, marking a notable increase from last year’s participation.

Branch Chairman Justus Maragara confirmed that preparations are complete for the four-day event, which runs through Saturday, 23rd May. First-time participants include the Argentine Embassy and a Tanzania-based company, signaling growing international interest in the region’s agricultural potential.

Climate-Smart Theme Takes Center Stage

Organizers have adopted the theme “Promoting Climate-Smart Agriculture and Trade Initiatives for Sustainable Economic Growth.” Showgoers will have direct access to demonstrations on modern agribusiness, livestock keeping, and emerging crop technologies.

Maragara emphasized the practical value for local families. “This is a golden opportunity for residents to learn about the evolving technologies in the agricultural sector, including livestock keeping,” he said. “Applying the knowledge in homesteads will help tackle food insecurity in our country.”

Coffee Introduced in Semi-Arid Laikipia

One of the most striking displays will be at the department of agriculture farm, where coffee bushes are being introduced and promoted for the first time in semi-arid Laikipia County. Coffee is not traditionally grown in the region, and agricultural officers will be on hand to explain irrigation and shade management techniques that make the crop viable.

Livestock will also feature prominently, with breeds adapted to dry conditions expected to draw attention from pastoralists and ranchers alike.

Regional Exhibitors Flock to Nanyuki

Exhibitors from neighboring counties including Nakuru, Nyandarua, Samburu, Nyeri, and Meru are eager to showcase their goods and services. The mix includes farm input suppliers, equipment dealers, and agricultural extension service providers.

The growing exhibitor list suggests renewed confidence in agricultural trade despite ongoing climate pressures affecting many parts of Mt Kenya and the Rift Valley.

Security Post Established at Showground

Laikipia East Deputy County Commissioner Patrick Muli moved to reassure visitors and traders ahead of the event. A police post has been established within the showground, with security officers available day and night throughout the show period.

“We are well prepared in handling any security concerns during the agricultural show,” Muli said. “Patrols will also be conducted in and outside the agricultural showgrounds so our participants can learn without interruptions.”

The security setup reflects lessons from previous years when petty theft occasionally disrupted events. Organizers expect steady crowds, particularly over the weekend when families traditionally attend.

The Nanyuki show remains one of the key dates on the Mt Kenya agricultural calendar, bridging large-scale farmers from Laikipia’s wheat and ranching zones with smallholders from the surrounding highlands.