President William Ruto is expected to preside over a livestock auction at this year’s Agricultural Society of Kenya (ASK) Kisumu Regional Show, slated for July 24-28 at Mamboleo Showground.
The auction, which is being held for the first time in Kisumu County, will be a key attraction at the regional show, which has attracted over 120 local and international exhibitors.
Kisumu ASK Chairman George Ong’udi said highly improved breeds will be on display, which he said will help improve the image of the fete.
“For the first time, we are going to have a livestock auction. Having high-quality animals has been a challenge, but this has now been taken care of, and we expect the Head of State, President William Ruto, and other high-ranking government officials to grace the auction,” he said.
Preparations for the show, he added, have been finalised, with more exhibitors from Uganda and Tanzania expected to make an appearance at the annual event.
The show, whose theme is “promoting climate-smart agriculture and trade initiatives for sustainable growth,” he said, has attracted exhibitors and players from the agriculture, manufacturing, housing, Small and Medium Enterprises, banking, hospitality, education, and public and private sector institutions.
Sugar factories, among them South Nyanza (SONY), Chemelil, and Kipchimchim, have confirmed attendance and will showcase various technologies and products in the sector.
Through exhibits, workshops, and on-site training sessions, the show, he said, will be a focal point for sharing critical knowledge and showcasing new and emerging innovations.
He added that security has been beefed up to ensure the property of exhibitors and attendees are protected.
“We have had meetings with the county and regional police teams, who have assured us maximum security during the show,” he said.
The organisers, he said, have set aside Sunday, July 22, as the Harvest Festival, which shall be followed by trade judging on the July 23 ahead of the main event.
He urged residents of the Lake Region to turn up in large numbers to learn and exchange knowledge on climate-smart agriculture to drive the region’s economy forward.
Kisumu County Chief Officer for Agriculture Erick Omondi said various technologies will be displayed, which will go a long way in enabling farmers in the area to improve their yields.
The technologies developed by the county government, he added, target to entrenched climate-smart agriculture to build resilience and enhance food security.
Jesca Owedo, Gates and Parking Chairperson, said the organisers have come up with favourable entrance and parking fees to ensure as many people as possible attend the show.
Adults will pay KSh250 at the gate, children will be charged KSh200, exhibitor full members will pay KSh3, 000, single members will pay KSh2, 000, corporates will pay KSh8,500, and essential service providers will pay KSh5,000.
By Fredrick Odiero
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