Preparations For 2023 Eldoret ASK show on Course
Preparations For 2023 Eldoret ASK show on Course
With less than two weeks to go to the annual Eldoret National Show set for the 1st-4th of March, preparations are ongoing for the annual agricultural exhibition fair at the Eldoret A.S.K showground with this year’s theme being Promoting Climate Smart Agriculture and Trade Initiatives for Sustainable Economic Growth.
Various names are set to grace the occasion with the Kesses Mp Julius Ruto set to open the exhibition, Governor Jonathan Bii will grace the second Bii while president William Ruto will be the guest of honor on the third day when he will officially open the show.
“The show is just about the corner with just like two weeks to go. It starts from 1st- 4th March. We have a guest of honor for each day with the 1st day being the area MP for Kesses, the second-day having Governor Jonathan Bii as the guest of honor, the president is the guest of honor on the 3rd day before Kerio Valley Development Authority managing director being the guest of honor on the final day.” Said Susan Seron, Chairperson of A.S.K Eldoret Branch.
Expectations are high this year after various challenges brought by the Covid-19 pandemic in the previous years resulted in low numbers of exhibitors.
Last year there were 50 exhibitors on the ground as compared to 100 this year raising expectations even higher.
“We are very much prepared for the show, as you go around, you’ll see some exhibitors very busy preparing their stands and making sure they are set for that day. As we speak now, over 100 exhibitors are on the ground making preparations, an increase from the same time last year when we had 50 exhibitors which is a very good sign. Covid brought challenges last year and we thank God that things are now back to normal and we really expect a very wonderful show better than any other show.” added Seron.
She called on exhibitors to align their exhibitions in line with this year’s theme which focuses on climate-smart agriculture even as the world continues to grapple with changes in climatic conditions since there will be judges to ensure this is adhered to.
“The theme for this year is promoting Climate Smart Agriculture and Trade Initiatives for Sustainable Economic Growth. The exhibitors on the ground are expected to do everything aligning to that theme so that as they showcase anything that they do since there will be judges, they make sure they align their preparation with the theme as you can see the climate is changing every time. We need to align everything we do towards the changes in climate on matters of agriculture and trade.” Noted the chair.
Exhibitors from all over the Country and the East African region at large are expected to grace the occasion since there are no movement restrictions, unlike the previous years where Covid 19 resulted in low numbers due to movement restrictions and cross-border requirements.
“We are expecting exhibitors from far and wide of course within the country from as far as Nairobi, I mean all over the country and outside the Country. From as far as Tanzania and they have already confirmed to be coming, others from Uganda and there are a few from Rwanda. This year we will be receiving exhibitors from very far and wide since Covid made things harder the other time but now the country is open.” Explained Susan Seron.
She assured Exhibitors of adequate water supply from the existing wells and boreholes within the Showground premises as well as a subsidized water supply from the Eldoret Water and Sewerage Company (ELDOWAS)
“We have a borehole within the showground, of course, it is not enough because of the drought but we are being subsidized with water from Eldowas, so we’ll have enough water and it is not a big challenge to us this year. We also have several wells within the showground for irrigation and as you go around you’ll see so many demo crops from Kenya Seed, the ministry of agriculture, and other exhibitors that have done a lot of demo crops. The water from the wells and boreholes is used for irrigation so that the fields are green throughout the year.” She noted.
This year’s show is expected to be bigger and better with an increase in the numbers of exhibitors having registered before the set deadline. Adult tickets are sold at 250 shs while children’s tickets are sold at 200 shs. There will be subsidized fees for groups purchasing tickets and members can also purchase essential stickers and membership registration.
“Last year the exhibitors that came to the show were about 90 in number but this year even before the start of the show is over a hundred meaning by the close of the deadline the number of exhibitors will be over 150, which is a good number. We’ve maintained the judges for a period of years and this year will be the same. The charges will be 250 for adults and 200 for children but those who come in groups will have subsidized fees. Membership badges are also available at 300 for full membership while a single membership badge retails at 2000.” Noted Seron.
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