Kisumu ASK planners push to have Ruto attend auction
By Kepher Otieno, July 15, 2024The organisers of this year’s Kisumu Regional Agricultural Society of Kenya (ASK), want President William Ruto to grace the event
They have invited the President to grace the Kisumu show next week as well as preside over the livestock auction, which is scheduled to be held for the first time this year.
The livestock auction, according to the organizers, will provide a platform for farmers where they will buy and sell high-quality or improved livestock breeds.
Already, preparations are in top gear to host the Regional ASK show, with Kisumu branch Chairman George Ong’udi, saying they had invited the Head of State to officially open it The show is slated for July 24-28.
More than 120 local and international exhibitors and about 30 corporate organizations have confirmed participation in the show.
“Our interest is to see President Ruto’s attend. This will give us an upper hand and edge in the exhibitions of high quality and standards,’’ said Ongudi.
Network platform He claimed the livestock auction will provide a platform for farmers to network, understand the market dynamics, adjust their breeding, and remain competitive in the industry.
“Other than providing the market for both buyers and sellers, the auction will open doors for partnerships, mentorships and encourage continuous improvement in best breeds,” he said.
The theme of this year’s Kisumu Regional ASK show is “Promoting Climate Smart Agriculture and Trade Initiatives for Sustainable Economic Growth.
Ong’udi said the show is keen to promote and empower the livelihoods of rural communities in the 14 Lake region counties, orienting them on climate-smart farming to boost production.
“Livestock rearing has the potential of boosting the incomes of small-scale farmers and improving food and nutrition security in rural areas,” he said.
Over the years, Kisumu County’s chief officer for Agriculture Erick Ogallo claimed that livestock farming remains highly untapped despite its huge potential.
To sustain the program, he said that the devolved unit will utilize Maseno Agricultural Training Centre as a demonstration site.
“We will organize agricultural field days to enable farmers to learn new techniques on how to boost their livestock and crop production.
This year, three sugar millers have also confirmed their interest in participating this year after missing out in the previous years due to financial hiccups and industry misfortunes in the past.
Ongudi disclosed gate charges will range from Sh250 for adults, to Sh200 for children, while a group of more than 10 adults will pay Sh200 and Sh150 for children