Nairobi Show to focus on innovations resolving food insecurity - ASK

Players in the agricultural space have been urged to ride on technology to develop innovative ways to resolve food insecurity.

Speaking ahead of the annual International Trade Fair—popularly known as the ‘Nairobi Show’—experts from the Agricultural Society of Kenya (ASK) said the sector must intensify efforts to progressively reduce hunger at a time when 1.8 million people are facing high levels of acute food insecurity.

They pointed to targeted initiatives, including platforms like the ‘Meet and ASK Show’, which play a vital role in connecting farmers, innovators, and policymakers to practical food security solutions.

Levi Mukhweso, chief Steward of the ASK Nairobi branch, said that bridging the current food security gap requires a stronger connection between agriculture and education to address structural weaknesses.

“Agriculture should be treated as the key. The notion still exists that agriculture is for people who never made it in school. That notion should not be there,” Levi said.

According to him, while there is enough food across the continent, Levi argued that the real issue lies in coordination.

He pointed out that some regions are abundant in produce yet remain disconnected from food-scarce areas due to weak logistics and a lack of market intelligence.

Their concerns are coming at a time when various entities, including the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), ReliefWeb and FAO have forecasted lower agricultural production this year.

The anticipated decline is mainly linked to below-average rainfall, which is expected to push staple food prices higher and increased conflicts over resource management and increased human–wildlife interactions are also seen as contributing factors.

The weeklong fair, running from September 29 to October 5 at Jamhuri Park Showground in Nairobi, will bring together more than 250 exhibitors from across the agricultural value chain. The aim is to spur the sector through knowledge exchange and partnerships for sustainable food production.

Exhibitors will include agri-tech firms, SMEs, universities, corporate organizations, and international participants from China, India, Ghana, Tanzania, South Africa, and Nigeria.

Highlights will feature live agri-tech demonstrations, climate-smart farming showcases, women- and youth-led innovation hubs, as well as interactive B2B networking and knowledge-sharing sessions.

Joseph Mugo, the branch chairman, underscored the significance of the event, saying that the Nairobi International Trade Fair is more than an exhibition.

“It is where tradition meets transformation and where Kenya’s resilience, innovation and excellence are showcased to the world,” Mugo said.

“Since 1902, ASK has hosted this trade fair. Over the decades, it has evolved into East Africa’s platform for agricultural transformation, trade advancement and technological innovation.”