Farmers and entrepreneurs have been lauded for their display of technology and innovative agribusiness ideas at the Agricultural Society of Kenya (ASK) 2023 Kisumu Regional Show taking place at the Mamboleo ASK Grounds.
Nyanza Regional Commissioner Ms. Flora Mworoa officiated on behalf of the Interior Principal Secretary, Dr. Raymond Omollo, at the opening ceremony of the five-day agricultural show that opened its doors to the public on Wednesday.
Mworoa said that the tech innovation exhibitions from more than 100 exhibitors that pitched tents at the premier event seek to address the problem of climate change and enhance food security through the adoption of tech farming and value addition.
“There are a lot of innovations being showcased which marry this year’s ASK show theme of Promoting Climate Smart Agriculture and Trade Initiatives for Sustainable Economic Growth,” said Mworoa.
“I’m assured that everyone who will attend this event will benefit immensely from modern farming techniques, value addition, and trade, as well as learn ways to mitigate climate change issues,” she added.
Climate-Smart Agriculture, when effectively adopted, enables individuals managing agricultural systems to respond effectively to the inevitable changes in climate conditions, including the unpredictability of rainfall and prolonged droughts that affect farming.
The Kisumu show is resuming after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic and will run from Wednesday, July 26 to Sunday, July 30.
The ASK Kisumu branch Chairperson, Mr. George Ong’udi, said the occasion has attracted youth enterprises, women-based organisations, and institutions of higher learning, as well as exhibitors from agriculture, trade, and allied industries.
Ong’udi appealed to all the residents of Kisumu and the neighbouring counties to attend the agricultural event that provides a favourable platform for various players in the agricultural food chain and industries to showcase their wares.
The cost of gate admission for adults and children is Sh. 250 and Sh. 200, respectively, while for special groups, adults are charged Sh. 200 and Sh. 150 for young people.
Among the exhibitors are the Communication Authority, The Kenya National Highways Authority, the Kenya Airports Authority, the Kenya Accountants and Secretaries National Examinations Board (KASNEB), and the Kenya Bureau of Standards.
Others are the Kenya Forest Service, Kenya Seed Company Limited, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST), Kenya Ports Authority, Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council, Kenya National Housing Corporation, Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation, Lake Victoria South Water Works Development Agency, among many other state and non-state agencies.
The ceremony was also attended by the acting Kisumu County Commissioner, Mr. Hussein Alassow Hussein, and Kisumu East Deputy County Commissioner, Mr. Kibet Boen, among other senior government officials.
By Robert Ojwang’
