Exhibitors and showgoers at the upcoming Mombasa International Show, scheduled for 4th to 8th September 2024, have been assured of heightened safety and security measures by the organisers, the Agricultural Society of Kenya (ASK), as preparations enter the homestretch.
ASK has emphasised its commitment to ensuring a secure environment throughout the fair, as they have reliable security arrangements with the police, Kenya Navy, and all security stakeholders in the region.
Additionally, the organisers have guaranteed a consistent and adequate water supply throughout the event, addressing concerns arising from the previous editions of the show.
Speaking at the Mombasa Show Ground, the Chairman of the Agricultural Society of Kenya Coast Branch, Henry Nyaga, announced that significant improvements have been made to the facilities.
Nyaga noted that areas that previously posed challenges have been upgraded to ensure maximum comfort for attendees at the trade fair, whose theme is “Promoting Climate Smart Agriculture and Trade Initiatives for Sustainable Economic Growth”.
He said that they have noted an increase in the number of exhibitors, as the previous edition had 157 exhibitors, while 400 have shown interest in this year’s edition, with 257 confirmations so far from the trade section only.
“We are looking forward to having a more successful exhibition as we have over 30 new exhibitors, top among them being our own Tea Auction, which has brought on board 10 countries that are operating under them. We have also invited 38 foreign exhibitors; 5 have confirmed, and we are looking forward to more confirmations within the remaining 2 weeks. We shall have over a thousand exhibitors in the showground and 250,000 attendees,” Nyaga said.
The event seeks to bring together over 250 industry players in the agricultural and trade sectors, including manufacturing and small and medium enterprises, with platforms for innovative solutions, sales bazaars, product and service demos, advertising and publicity, knowledge and information sharing, technological advances, business networking, and supply chains.
The event will provide a platform for exhibitors to not only showcase the latest technologies in their sectors but will also enable them to engage directly with potential customers and generate sales leads.
Smart agriculture practices have undeniable advantages for farmers, agribusinesses, and entire value chains over conventional methods; hence, the public and sector players are welcome to showcase and learn from the latest inventions and innovations during the show.
The Society is also encouraging local small and medium-sized businesses, those run by youth and women, to participate in this year’s event.
“ASK Coast Branch will continue to collaborate with stakeholders in the region in embracing climate-smart agricultural technologies and trade initiatives by enabling platforms to disseminate them to the Kenyan public.
Exhibitors will have ample space to showcase their products and services and can also take advantage of the event to socialise, network, and sample coastal culture, entertainment, and cuisine since many food vendors have signed on to participate this year,” Nyaga emphasised.
He disclosed that visitors attending the events will be able to access information, subsidised prices of goods and services, government services, free farmer training and workshops, livestock parades, arena entertainment, and many other exciting products and services.
By Fatma Said
