By James Munyua and Olivia Robi
Nakuru County is strengthening its position as one of Kenya leading agricultural hubs through sustained investments in climate-smart farming, value addition, farmer financing and modern agricultural technologies.
This measures are aimed at improving productivity for farmers, while building an agricultural sector that creates wealth, generates employment, guarantees food security, and contributes meaningfully to Kenya economic transformation.
This was revealed by Nakuru County Deputy Governor H.E. David Kones during a tour of the 2026 National ASK Show.
Hon. Kones who was accompanied by officials from ASK and other delegates noted that, Nakuru’s achievements in agriculture have earned it a national recognition, with the latest Kenya National Bureau of Statistic report, ranking the County as the second-leading food-producing County in Kenya and the country leading producer of potatoes.
“These milestones have not come by accident,” the Deputy Governor noted. “They are the result of the hard work of our farmers, the commitment of our agricultural officers, the resilience of our cooperatives, and the strong partnership we continue to build with the National Government, research institution, development partners and the private sector.”
Deputy Governor Kones further noted that, the County Government under the leadership of Governor Susan Kihika is implementing a wide range of programmes under the County Integrated Development Plan(CIDP) 2023-2027 to increase Agricultural productivity across key value chains.
These include expanding maize production, promoting pyrethrum and macadamia farming, improving dairy production, and increasing output in the meat, honey, fisheries and poultry sectors.
The county is also strengthening agricultural extension services while encouraging farmers to adopt modern farming technologies that improve efficiency and resilience.
Addressing the effects of climate change on agriculture, Hon. Kones called on farmers to embrace innovative farming practices.
“We must embrace modern farming technologies, climate-smart practices, improved seed varieties, efficient irrigation systems, mechanization, digital agriculture, and research-driven innovations that enable farmers to produce more using fewer resources while protecting our environment.”
He emphasized that innovation will determine the future of farming, adding that, the future of agriculture lies in innovation, technology, and knowledge. Beyond increasing production, Nakuru County is investing heavily in value addition and agro-processing to ensure farmers earn better returns from their produce.
And to ensure access to affordable credit, Governor Susan Kihika’s administration continues to strengthen Cooperative Societies and expand financing through the County Enterprise Fund and the County Cooperative Revolving Development Fund.
This year’s Nakuru ASK International Show, under the theme “Promoting Climate Smart Agriculture and Trade Initiatives for Sustainable Economic Growth.” has seen a growth of exhibitors from 102 last year to 128 this year, demonstrating growing confidence in the agricultural sector and in Nakuru as a destination for investment and innovation.
Dr. Perminus Migwi, the Chairperson of the Nakuru ASK branch who accompanied the Deputy Governor, called on farmers to make full use of the exhibition by learning about emerging technologies and building partnership that would improve productivity.
“Visit every stand. Ask questions, learn about new technologies, explore better farming methods, build partnership that will improve your productivity and profitability,” he pleaded.
He further challenged young people to take advantage of opportunities within the evolving agricultural sector, as agriculture today is no longer about traditional farming alone but one that offers exciting opportunities in agribusiness, mechanization, ICT, logistics, value addition, food processing, renewable energy, biotechnology, and agricultural innovation.
The 2026 Nakuru National Agricultural Show running from Wednesday, July 1st to Sunday, July 5th, 2026, at the Nakuru Showgrounds, is
among more than 15 regional agricultural shows and trade fairs organized annually by the Agricultural Society of Kenya (ASK), and consistently ranks as one of the top three premier events in the country.
Also present were Officials of the ASK led by the CEO Batram Muthoka, County officials including Agriculture CECM Mr Leonard Bor, Chief Officers, Michael Cheruiyot (Livestock Fisheries and Veterinary Services), Rosemary Kimani (ICT and Public Communication) among other dignitaries.
