The 3rd Nakuru Business Expo is currently ongoing at the Nakuru Athletic Club.
The three-day event, which started today under the patronage of the Nakuru County Government is set to unlock the potential of Agri-business in the region as the devolved unit’s administration urges private sector investment in manufacturing and agriculture.
During the inaugural launch of the Expo that is supported by Kenya National Chambers of Commerce and Industry, City Manager Mr. Gitau Thabanja said the Expo focuses on exploring the vast untapped opportunities, innovative solutions and sustainable practices that could revolutionize the County’s industrial and agricultural and regional Agri-business sectors.
Thabanja stated that the expo was lined up with activities bringing together innovators from across the county region to display cutting-edge solutions to boost the local economy.
“The event has highlighted a wide array of exhibitors demonstrating creative, best practices and sustainable solutions that promise to transform local industries. From biogas production using human waste to smart farming techniques powered by modern tractors, the expo emphasizes smart eco-friendly innovative practices. The display booths have also featured organic fertilizers made from cow dung and beautifully handcrafted leather bags produced locally,” explained the City Manager.
Thabanja said the aim of the expo was to bring different businesses, stakeholders and exhibitors together to have a conversation on sustainable partnership in trade and development across the counties.
“This is part of the efforts by the County Government to attract both local and foreign investments and create employment opportunities,” Thabanja added.
The expo themed: “Value Addition in Agriculture and Manufacturing” has also brought on board critical sectors of the economy like building and construction, agriculture, manufacturing, oil, gas and energy, mining, water, and auto industry among others.
Thabanja explained that the event was also showcasing latest technologies and innovations that were critical in enabling local companies to compete at the same level with their counterparts globally.
He said the expo was expected to lay out a blueprint for investors who need to know opportunities the county has to offer, and called on the business community to take advantage of the exhibition and learn of the opportunities available.
Thabanja further said this was an opportune time for other business players to come and grow networks, adding that the expo would also provide a platform for emerging entrepreneurs, with particular attention to high schools and college students.
The manager indicated that by involving students in the expo, they were targeting to inspire and cultivate entrepreneurial skills among the youth, ensuring they are well-prepared to contribute to the economy.
He explained that the approach reflected a broader strategy of linking education, agriculture and manufacturing in a way that benefits the city.
The expo will further offer local companies the opportunities for partnerships that offer the best route for them to go global.
At the same time, the expo will also feature a series of smaller meetings focusing on various topics, key among them investment, public-private partnerships, youth engagement and governance.
The young innovators, Thabanja added, will have the opportunity to showcase their ideas and products, fostering a new generation of business leaders.
“The expo will also focus on the environment and waste management, renewable energy, agribusiness, infrastructure, real estate and information technology-enabled services,” he stated.
The county government, the manager added, wanted to use its potential in geothermal energy, agriculture and real estate to market itself as the ideal investment destination.
Speaking separately, the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) in charge of Trade and Tourism Stephen Kuria said various studies had confirmed that Nakuru County had the most friendly-tax regime in the country, coupled with good governance thus making it a favourable destination for both local and international investors.
Kuria noted that the Expo was poised to serve as a platform for knowledge sharing for policymakers, industry leaders and investors from all around the world, on crucial topics such as innovative farming techniques, data-driven agriculture, best practices for sustainable agriculture, financing, and investment opportunities among others.
“Here policymakers, entrepreneurs, industry professionals, and farmers came together to exchange ideas, expand businesses, share knowledge and technologies that can drive sustainable growth in the Agri-sector of Africa,” he said.
The CECM further said the agriculture sector continued to play a pivotal role in the country’s economy, contributing 33 percent directly to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and another 27 percent to GDP indirectly through linkages with other sectors.
“This event is aimed at providing a platform for showcasing the latest products, services, and innovation to improve the agriculture sector through expansive exhibition space, networking lounges, strategic conferences, panel discussions and seminars,” he said.
By Jane Ngugi