MERU, Kenya – The 2026 Meru National Show has attracted hundreds of farmers, exhibitors, agribusinesses, and stakeholders to the Gitoro Showgrounds, providing a platform for learning, innovation, and showcasing advancements in agriculture.
The Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) emerged among the top performers at the annual event, winning two prestigious awards during the official opening ceremony presided over by Meru Governor H.E. Rev. Isaac Mutuma.
KEPHIS received trophies for the Best Agricultural-Based Statutory Board Stand and the Best Agricultural-Based Organization that Best Disseminates Safety Information on Agricultural Products. The awards were presented by Governor Mutuma to KEPHIS Deputy Director John Muli and members of the KEPHIS team in recognition of the organization’s contribution to agricultural development and farmer education.
The show has brought together exhibitors and visitors from Meru, Tharaka Nithi, Isiolo, and other counties across Kenya. It serves as a critical platform for promoting agricultural production, trade, and innovation, particularly in key value chains such as coffee, tea, French beans, and horticultural crops.
According to KEPHIS, the event provided an opportunity to engage farmers and stakeholders on its core mandates, including seed certification, plant variety protection, phytosanitary services, and the analysis of agricultural inputs and produce through its internationally accredited laboratories.
The Mt. Kenya region remains a strategic agricultural hub for KEPHIS operations. The area hosts approximately 40 flower farms that rely on stringent inspections and compliance measures to meet export market requirements. In addition, the region is home to about 30 seed companies that benefit from KEPHIS services such as merchant registration and field inspections aimed at ensuring seed quality and integrity.
KEPHIS also used the exhibition to create awareness of its services and educate farmers on the importance of adopting quality standards to improve productivity and access lucrative markets.
Meru County, which is Kenya’s leading producer of khat (miraa), continues to play a significant role in agricultural exports, with produce destined for markets including Somalia and Namibia. To support this trade, KEPHIS has been conducting stakeholder forums focused on standards compliance, pest management, and phytosanitary requirements necessary for export certification.
Speaking during the official opening of the show, Governor Rev. Isaac Mutuma underscored the importance of strengthening agricultural security and compliance systems to boost production, protect livelihoods, and enhance Kenya’s competitiveness in regional and international markets.
As the agricultural sector continues to drive economic growth, events such as the Meru National Show provide an important avenue for knowledge sharing, technology transfer, and collaboration among farmers, regulators, and industry players.