Official Opening of The 8th Agribusiness Trade Fair


The University of Eldoret officially opened its 8th Agribusiness Trade fair themed "Enhancing Food Security through technology and Trade in Agriculture for National Growth". The trade fair brought on board exhibitors from both the public and private sector who showcased their revolutionary agricultural innovations to the guests and farmers both from the region and beyond.

The Agribusiness Trade Fair which was officially opened by the Chief Guest H.E Hon. Wycliffe Ambetsa Oparanya, the Chair of Governors and Governor Kakamega County, saw farmers and exhibitors displaying their agricultural innovations. In his key address during the trade fair, Hon. Oparanya noted the importance of this trade fair in enhancing food security through enhancing farming techniques. He called upon Counties to develop relevant infrastructures and formulate agricultural policies which address modern agricultural production. He implored that government agricultural policies need to consider inputs from institutions of higher learning such as the University of Eldoret to enhance competitive and adaptable agricultural practices in the country.

The Chair of Governors further reiterated that, as Counties, they are dedicated to working with research institutions and institutions of higher learning to eradicate hunger by the year 2030 through mobilizing agricultural innovation to enhance agribusiness, trade, and tourism. He also noted that he will work to ensure that a Memorandum of Understanding between the University of Eldoret and Kakamega County is enhanced, and highlighted that he will spearhead the Council of Governors to enter into collaboration with agricultural research institutions to empower local farmers. He finalized by urging farmers to form cooperatives to enhance commercialization of their brands in their respective markets.

His sentiments were echoed by the Chief Administrative Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Irrigation Dr. Andrew Tuimur who noted the importance of the Agribusiness Trade Fair in enhancing food security, Big 4 agenda, Sustainable Development Goals and Vision 2030.

Other speakers during the opening ceremony of the Agribusiness Trade Fair were the Deputy Governor Nandi County, Hon. Dr. Yulita Mitei, the University of Eldoret Chairman of Council Dr. Ojakaa David and the Vice-Chancellor Prof. Teresa Akenga.

Also present were Dr. David Kios (Managing Director, Kenya Animal Genetic Resources Centre), Samuel Ruto (Former Mayor- Eldoret), Joseph Lesiew (Former Mayor-Eldoret), Council Members, University Management Board members, event sponsors, exhibitors' local farmers, University Staff, and Students.


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