Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has officially opened the Kakamega edition of the Agricultural Society of Kenya (ASK) Show, urging the protection of public agricultural land and greater investment in modern farming practices.
Speaking during the opening ceremony, CS Kagwe reiterated the government’s commitment to safeguarding public agricultural assets and transforming the sector through youth engagement, innovation, and climate-smart agriculture.
“The ASK property is public agricultural land and must be safeguarded as such,” Kagwe stated. “Counties should not allow land grabbers or other interests to take over these assets. Instead, they should collaborate with ASK to make this land economically productive.”
The annual show, hosted under the banner of the Agricultural Society of Kenya, has drawn farmers, researchers, agripreneurs, county governments, and private sector players from across the country. It serves as a critical platform for showcasing innovations in agriculture, scientific research, and emerging investment opportunities in Western Kenya and beyond.
Kagwe applauded ASK for launching its 2025–2029 Strategic Plan, describing it as a bold and timely roadmap to align the agricultural sector with Kenya’s broader development goals.
He noted the sector’s recent achievements under ongoing reforms, citing improved crop and livestock productivity, revival efforts in the sugar and tea industries, and expanded support for climate-resilient agriculture.
In a strong appeal to the country’s youth, the CS emphasized the need for young people to take advantage of the innovations exhibited at ASK shows and actively pursue agribusiness opportunities.
“The future of agriculture lies in the hands of our youth,” he said. “These shows are not just exhibitions — they are platforms for transformation and empowerment.”
Kagwe further called on agricultural extension officers and agripreneurs to embrace digital tools and data-driven approaches to tackle challenges such as climate change, market instability, and resource scarcity.
The Kakamega ASK Show runs through the weekend and features exhibitions in agritech, farm mechanization, irrigation, value addition, and sustainable farming techniques aimed at boosting productivity and resilience in the agricultural sector.