The Nakuru Agricultural Society of Kenya (ASK) show which was slated to commence today has been postponed until next year due to the fear of aiding the spread of the novel coronavirus pandemic.
The Chairman of the branch, Dr Perminus Migwi said they have already informed the exhibitors about the postponement. He was speaking on Thursday at the showground during a press conference at his office.
The show which annually runs for four days attracts huge crowds of farmers and students from the county and the surrounding areas is likely to lose millions of shillings from the entrance fee.
He said: ‘’ We have appreciated the difficulties of controlling crowds and ensuring that social distancing was achieved during the show and we don’t want to contravene the ministry of health directives.’’
The postponement is a historic first since the event has relentlessly and persistently been held since 1920 when it was introduced by the colonialists to promote farming in the country.
However, for the local businessmen, it’s another loss of selling and showcasing their new products, especially the agricultural companies which use the opportunity to display their new products such as pesticides, seeds and machines.
The tenants who have rented houses within the showground said they have lost a chance of getting hired to clean up the area and they are likely to stay with the bushes until next year.
A guard at the Kenya Seed Company, Jared Ouma said the maize and vegetables they had planted will be donated to the security officers who guard the show grounds.
By Veronica Bosibori
