CS Kagwe calls for protection of ASK showgrounds

Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe joins other leaders as they inspect a maize variety at the Kenya Seed stand during the Nakuru ASK Show on July 4, 2025. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard]

Agriculture Cabinet Secretary (CS) Mutahi Kagwe has called for the protection of all Agricultural Society of Kenya (ASK) showgrounds in the country, to foster innovations.

The facilities, which host agricultural shows, exhibitions, and other events, are spread across the country in Nakuru, Nairobi (Jamhuri Park), Mombasa, Eldoret, Kitale, Nanyuki, Kisii, Kisumu, Kakamega, Nyeri, Meru, Embu, Machakos, Kabarnet, Migori, Bungoma, and Garissa.

According to Kagwe, the showgrounds serve as platforms for exhibitions, networking, and showcasing new products and technologies in the country.

Kagwe spoke as he graced the national show event in Nakuru on Friday.

“The showgrounds are a key platform for players in the agricultural industry and contribute to the local economy by boosting sales and tourism,” said Kagwe.

He reiterated that the land where the shows are hosted must be preserved and protected from grabbers or private usage.

“The ground in Nakuru has existed since 1921, and we have about 100 acres of land. No one should take any of the land away. It must be protected at all costs, for future generations,” he said.

Kagwe said the ministry was impressed by the innovation showcased by youths during the exhibition.

He noted that the country had the potential to grow in the agricultural sector through technology, research, and innovation.

“The challenge we have is to ensure we converge the innovations by different people and organisations and combine information for use by farmers and companies in agriculture,” said Kagwe.

He called on the youth to embrace innovation and come up with ways to improve agriculture in a bid to earn a living.

Kagwe challenged young people who ignore agriculture to make it look cool and attractive to the younger generation.

“We will make agriculture look cool through innovation. We have a great future, and we have to work together,” he said.

At the same time, Kenya Seed Managing Director Sammy Kiplagat called on farmers to be vigilant and ensure they purchase quality and certified seeds.

Kiplagat raised concerns over counterfeit seeds, which have severely affected agriculture in the country, especially with the unpredictable climate.

He insisted that Kenya Seed has used technology to help farmers differentiate between genuine and counterfeit seeds.

“We have a seed verification system which allows farmers to scratch sticker labels placed on seed packages, which they can verify through a short code,” he said.

He warned those selling counterfeit seeds that serious action would be taken against them.

Further, Kiplagat said the company was conducting research and planning innovations to ensure they produce seeds that are resistant and adaptable to the changing climate.