The Agri-Hub Kenya team is proud to report that a whopping 16,728 farmers were registered to have visited the Agri-Business Trade Fair on 10 August. The Fair was organised in close cooperation with the Kenya Livestock Producers Association (KLPA), in order to provide farmers with both financial and other agri-business services.

Agri-Hub Kenya organised its 2nd agricultural fair in the regional town of Nyahururu. On request of the participants of the last Fair, which took place last November, this Fair did not only focus on financial and insurance services. It also provided opportunities for other agri-businesses to exhibit their merchandise. Cooperation with KLPA was sought, as they organise such large events regularly and they speak the language of the agricultural producers.

The Fair was officially opened by Minister of Livestock Development, the Honorary Dr. Mohammed Kuti. Over 100 companies and organisations presented their services and goods, ranging from inputs to packing materials. Of these 100, 20 financial and insurance companies seized the opportunity to meet potential clients at the Agri-Hub’s Finance Fair Dome.

The Dome hosted various financial organisations active in the Agri-Hub, among which SCOPEinsight. In addition, a continuous open forum took place with presentations and discussions that people could attend whenever they wished. Several financial institutes including Equity Bank, Kenya Women Finance Trust, Family Bank, Laikipia Teachers’ SACCO and Mercantile Insurance took the floor to discuss their financial products with the farmers present.

The turnout of visitors was well beyond expectation. As the organisers, by word of KLPA President Patrick Kimani, brought it: “It was a sea of humanity that sometimes overwhelmed the staff at the entry booth, leaving many people uncounted.” The official count stopped at 16,728, but it was estimated that the actual number of visitors may have been close to 20,000. Some exhibitors had already run out of promotional materials by noon.

Even a downpour just after 4 pm did not dampen the interest of the exhibitors and visitors, who stayed on despite the rain.

The award acheme for ‘Most Popular Farmers’ Bank’ and ‘Most Innovative Loan Product’ were an extra stimulus for the financial institutes to reflect on their relationship with the agricultural sector. Equity Bank was the elected winner of these two awards.

Many exhibitors have already stated their interest in attending the next Agri-ProFocus & KPLA Fair scheduled for the 4th of October in Karatina. The organising team looks forward to a continuation of this great achievement.