The 2026 Makueni Agricultural Trade Fair officially got underway at Makindu Showground as Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr arrived to preside over the opening ceremony, marking the beginning of a three-day exhibition dedicated to innovation, climate-smart agriculture, trade, investment, and economic transformation.
The annual fair has attracted hundreds of exhibitors from government agencies, private companies, financial institutions, research organizations, learning institutions, and agribusiness enterprises, all showcasing modern technologies and solutions aimed at improving agricultural productivity and strengthening food security.
Speaking during the official opening, Governor Mutula emphasized the importance of embracing climate-smart agriculture to help farmers adapt to changing weather patterns while increasing productivity and protecting the environment. He noted that agriculture remains the backbone of Makueni's economy and called on farmers to adopt innovative farming practices, value addition, and modern irrigation technologies to maximize yields and household incomes.
The governor also encouraged young people to venture into agribusiness, describing agriculture as a profitable sector with immense opportunities in production, processing, marketing, and technology-driven solutions. He reaffirmed the county government's commitment to supporting farmers through extension services, improved market access, water harvesting initiatives, and partnerships that promote sustainable agricultural development.
The trade fair provides a valuable platform for networking, knowledge exchange, business partnerships, and investment promotion. Visitors have the opportunity to interact with experts, explore the latest agricultural machinery, quality seeds, livestock technologies, climate-resilient farming methods, and financial services tailored for farmers and entrepreneurs.
Running for three days under the theme "Promoting Climate-Smart Agriculture and Trade Initiatives for Sustainable Economic Growth," the 2026 Makueni Agricultural Trade Fair is expected to inspire innovation, strengthen value chains, and create new opportunities that will drive inclusive economic growth across Makueni County and beyond.
