(NAIROBI, KENYA) – The Agricultural Society of Kenya (ASK) on Sunday held a Harvest Festival thanksgiving service at the ACK All Saints Cathedral in Nairobi, bringing together farmers, exhibitors and other agricultural sector stakeholders ahead of the Nairobi International Trade Fair.
The thanksgiving service, which celebrates farmers’ contribution to food security, livelihoods and the economy, comes eight days before the annual trade fair opens at Jamhuri Park Showground on 28th September.
The Nairobi International Trade Fair will run until 4th October and is expected to attract more than 500 exhibitors, including farmers, agribusinesses, manufacturers, technology firms, financial institutions, innovators and investors.
ASK national chairman John Kibira said the Harvest Festival provided an opportunity to celebrate the agricultural season while recognising farmers’ role in feeding the country.
“The Harvest Festival is an opportunity to give thanks for the agricultural season, celebrate our farmers and give back to the community through donations to orphanages and children’s homes,” Kibira said.
He said the thanksgiving also set the stage for the trade fair, which provides a platform for farmers and businesses to showcase products, explore markets and forge commercial partnerships.
The service also featured donations to orphanages and children’s homes as part of the society’s community outreach activities.
Cereal Growers Association chief executive Anthony Kioko, the chief guest, said the trade fair would connect farmers and businesses with markets, technologies, suppliers and potential customers.
The 2026 exhibition is expected to focus on practical solutions to challenges facing farmers, including climate variability, rising production costs, efficient use of inputs and access to markets.
ASK chief executive Batram Muthoka said exhibitors would showcase climate smart production methods, water management solutions, resilient crops and technologies aimed at improving productivity and reducing production risks.
“AI, precision agriculture, digital tools and data driven farming can help farmers make better decisions, use inputs more efficiently and respond to climate and market risks,” Muthoka said.
Technology will feature prominently at the fair, with visitors expected to see applications of artificial intelligence, precision agriculture and digital farming tools.
ASK Nairobi branch chairman Levi Mukhweso said the society was also seeking to attract more young people into agriculture by presenting it as a commercial and technology driven sector.
The fair is expected to generate business beyond agriculture through product launches, exhibition sales, business to business engagements, tourism, hospitality and transport, while providing exhibitors with opportunities to access new customers and markets.