KPA, KTDA shine in Nakuru national show

Agriculture CS Mutahi Kagwe during the Nakuru National ASK show. KPA won over 11 trophies in different categories including best stand demonstrating application of  environmental quality standards. [Courtesy]

The Kenya Ports Authority and the Kenya Tea Development Authority scooped top awards in this year's Nakuru National ASK show.

The two entities were among 150 exhibitors who took part in the show, which saw an increase of 35 new exhibitors compared to last year.

KPA scooped 11 awards in all the categories that it participated in, with the judges awarding the corporation for excellent alignment of its presentation with the theme of the show, "Promoting Climate-Smart Agriculture and Trade Initiatives For Sustainable Growth."

KPA show chairman, Peter Odera said that the authority was keen on ensuring efficient operations in the busiest port in the region and at the same time implementing green energy initiatives to reduce carbon footprint.

Other winners included Kenya Seed Company, Kenya Prisons, KARLO Njoro, Egerton University and Kabarak University.

Speaking when officially opening the show, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe said that there was a need to encourage the youth to embrace agriculture, through employing technology and climate-smart initiatives.

The CS said that his ministry was reviewing the curriculum of the Kenya School of Agriculture and agricultural training centers and incentivizing the youth to get into this sector, adding that the future of our agriculture depends on the foot soldiers.

The CS also urged to lease idle government land to assist the government in meeting the food deficit in the country.

The CS singled out wheat and rice imports as some of the products that local growers should take keen interest on, saying that Kenya imports up to 92% and 75% of its wheat and rice produce every year.

Kagwe cited the leasing of government-owned sugar firms, including Nzoia and Mumias, as some of the successful private-public partnerships that have boosted the sugar sector, saying that for the first time in many years, the country has not imported maize and sugar produce this year.