The Naivasha HortiFair 2026 provided a platform for discussions on leadership development and management challenges in the horticultural sector, with business coach and curriculum developer Amina Mustapha highlighting the need to equip farm managers with practical leadership skills. Mustapha, who attended the two-day exhibition alongside Nicholas Kasidhi of Pan African Talent Hub, engaged growers, breeders and suppliers on the challenges facing middle-level managers, particularly those promoted from technical roles into leadership positions without formal management training.
In her reflections following the fair, Mustapha noted that many capable farm managers continue to handle decisions that could otherwise be delegated, creating leadership bottlenecks that affect team performance and organisational efficiency. She said conversations at their stand, F30, repeatedly revealed a common challenge: employees who excel in growing and technical production are often promoted to management positions without receiving adequate training to lead teams, delegate responsibilities and make independent decisions.
Mustapha also acknowledged the support of industry leaders and companies, including Roddy Benjamin, founder of the Naivasha HortiFair, and representatives of De Ruiter Innovations, GrowSolutions, Florensis Kenya and other partners who have supported leadership development initiatives in the sector. She particularly highlighted Florensis Kenya for its commitment to staff development, noting that two of its managers had participated in the first Kenyan leadership cohort, with more employees expected to join the next programme.
Through Pan African Talent Hub and YEP Kenya, Mustapha is promoting leadership development tailored to the needs of horticultural businesses, helping managers strengthen their decision-making, delegation and team leadership capabilities. The team announced that its next Mastering Mid-Level Leadership Accelerator will run from November 2 to 5, 2026, in Naivasha, bringing the programme closer to farms and enabling participants to access training without travelling to Nairobi. Mustapha also thanked the HortiFair organising committee, led by Richard McGonnell, for hosting the exhibition, noting that proceeds from the event support local causes. Her engagement at the fair highlighted the importance of investing not only in horticultural technologies and production systems but also in the people responsible for managing teams and driving performance across the industry.