The Agricultural Society of Kenya (ASK) Kisumu Branch is targeting close to 200 exhibitors at this year’s Kisumu ASK Show, marking a significant increase in participation as organisers promise a rebranded exhibition focused on innovation, agribusiness and youth empowerment.

The five-day show will run from July 22 to 26 under the theme “Promoting Smart Agriculture and Trade Initiatives for Sustainable Economic Growth”.

Speaking ahead of the event on July 15, 2026, ASK Kisumu Branch Chairperson Rose Omondi said preparations were complete, with nearly 200 exhibitors having already confirmed participation, more than double last year’s turnout.

“We are prepared for this year’s show. Currently we have close to 200 exhibitors who have confirmed their participation, and we still expect the number to increase before the exhibition opens,” Omondi said.

She noted that the exhibition calendar will begin with a harvest festival on Sunday, followed by judges’ training on Monday and judging of exhibition stands on Tuesday before the official opening of the exhibition on Wednesday.

Ruto to grace the event

According to Omondi, the first day of the show will be officiated by the Regional Commissioner, while Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o is expected to preside over the second day. The official opening on Friday is reserved for President William Ruto. 

Saturday has been designated as Family Day to encourage participation by families and young people before the show closes on Sunday.

Omondi said this year’s exhibition will showcase agricultural technologies, research innovations and business opportunities aimed at transforming farming into a profitable venture.

She said researchers and innovators will interact directly with farmers while young people will receive training on agribusiness opportunities to encourage them to view agriculture as a viable source of income.

“This year I would call it a rebranded ASK. We welcome farmers, exhibitors, researchers and members of the public to come and learn from the many innovations that will be on display,” she said.

She revealed that while the branch had targeted 150 exhibitors last year, only 74 participated, making this year’s expected turnout a major improvement.

Adequate security

Meanwhile, Kisumu County Commissioner Mohammed Ramadhan Mwabudzo assured exhibitors and visitors of adequate security throughout the exhibition period.

Speaking on behalf of the County Security Committee, Mwabudzo said security agencies had put in place comprehensive measures to guarantee the safety of exhibitors, visitors and residents within Kisumu City and its surroundings.

“I want to assure everyone that the security machinery in this county has put all necessary measures in place to guarantee high levels of security at the ASK showgrounds and across Kisumu City,” he said.

He urged residents to attend the exhibition and embrace modern agricultural technologies that can improve productivity and strengthen food security.

Mwabudzo also encouraged unemployed youth to take advantage of government programmes supporting agribusiness instead of engaging in criminal activities.

He cited initiatives such as the NYOTA programme, the Youth Enterprise Development Fund and other government interventions as opportunities for young people to venture into agriculture.

“There is no reason why we should not enhance our food security when we have fertile land, water and a conducive environment for agriculture. Agriculture offers opportunities for employment and wealth creation,” he said.

The County Commissioner warned criminal gangs that security agencies would not relent in their crackdown on insecurity, saying the county had declared war on goons and criminals to ensure Kisumu remains safe for residents, businesses and visitors throughout the agricultural show and beyond.