The 125th Nairobi International Trade Fair has brought together about 400 exhibitors from Kenya and abroad, showcasing agricultural technologies, climate-smart farming solutions and innovations aimed at transforming agricultural production in the country. Held at Jamhuri Park Showground in Nairobi and organised by the Agricultural Society of Kenya (ASK), the seven-day exhibition has attracted farmers, agribusinesses, technology providers and other stakeholders, with a strong focus on digital agriculture, climate resilience, livestock production and value addition. As the exhibition entered its second day on Tuesday, visitors explored displays ranging from agricultural machinery and livestock to digital farming technologies, irrigation equipment, improved seed varieties and modern production systems.
Speaking during Monday’s official opening, ASK Nairobi Branch Chairman Levi Mukhweso and the organisation’s Chief Executive Officer, Batram Muthoka, emphasised the growing role of technology and innovation in addressing challenges facing farmers, particularly climate change, productivity and changing weather patterns. Muthoka said the exhibition was providing a platform for farmers to explore emerging technologies, including agricultural drones for spraying and other farm operations, as the sector increasingly embraces digital solutions. “Agriculture is moving into the digital space. We are showcasing drones, for example, which can be used for spraying farms and demonstrate how technology can change farming practices,” Muthoka said. He noted that climate-smart agriculture was a central theme of this year’s exhibition, with exhibitors presenting technologies and initiatives designed to help farmers adapt to climate-related challenges.
The seed sector is also featuring prominently, with companies showcasing varieties developed to withstand high temperatures, drought and other conditions associated with climate change. Such innovations are expected to support farmers in improving crop resilience and maintaining productivity under increasingly unpredictable weather conditions. Mukhweso said the fair was also exposing Kenyan farmers to international agricultural technologies, including irrigation systems and tractors from Thailand, providing opportunities to learn about modern equipment and production methods. He encouraged farmers to explore the use of artificial intelligence in agricultural planning, including selecting suitable crops and making informed decisions based on changing weather conditions.
The exhibition is also providing an opportunity for farmers to interact directly with suppliers, researchers and technology providers, while exploring solutions in mechanisation, irrigation, crop production and agribusiness. ASK expects the seven-day event to attract approximately 600,000 visitors, up from about 400,000 recorded during the previous year’s exhibition, according to Muthoka.