Mombasa prepares to host 200 exhibitors for ASK fair

Agricultural Society of Kenya CEO Batram Muthoka shows some of the cucumbers from exhibitors during the final touches at the Mkomani SK Showground in Mombasa County on Friday 26th August 2016. The show is expected to be opened by President Uhuru Kenyatta on September 1, 2016. [Photo/Kelvin Karani/Standard]

The Mombasa International Agricultural Show will be held from August 30 to September 3.

Briefing the media yesterday, event chairperson Anisa Abdalah said preparations had started and that a record 200 exhibitors were expected to grace the event.

"The general election has just ended and the focus now is on the show's preparation. We have 18 international exhibitors who have confirmed participation alongside 90 local firms," Ms Abdalah, who was flanked by the branch manager Thedaus Fita, said.

Abdalah said exhibitors from upcountry had started pitching tent at the showground in preparation for the event.

She said the theme for this year's event is 'Promoting Innovation and Technology in Agriculture and Trade'.

Among new exhibitors are the Kwale International Sugar Company (Kiscol), Lamu Port South Sudan, Ethiopia Transport Corridor (Lappset) and Kenya Meat Commission (KMC).

Regular exhibitors such as Kenya Railways will be showcasing the newly-introduced Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) train - Madaraka Express.

Others are Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), Rural Electrification Authority (REA), Kenya Power, Ministry of Tourism and Base Titanium among others.

Thousands of Kenyans from the Coast, upcountry and across the border are expected to attend.

Abdalah said since the trade fair will fall during active school calendar, they are banking on increased visits by pupils and students who shall be accorded preference.

"We have incorporated various security organs and working closely with the office of Coast Regional Coordinator to ensure we have an incident-free event," she said.

Abdalah at the same time said they were reaching out to county governments to take up space and exhibit.