Impressive 20th NHFair, sets Record in number of stands and visitors

The 20th edition of Naivasha Horticultural Fair was held on September 16 and 17 at Naivasha, where it hosted a record number of stands and visitors. The two day show was graced by Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary (CS) of Agriculture Mithika Linturi who hailed the organizers of the show for bringing together the crème de la crème of the agricultural sector.

The show has grown into a top Kenyan brand, strengthening the country’s position as a leader in global markets, while enhancing the image of Naivasha as a flower growing hub.

The key sponsors for this year’s event were agro-input companies; Agrichem Africa Ltd, Osho Chemicals Ltd, Green Life Protection Africa Ltd, Amiran Kenya Ltd and Elgon Kenya Ltd.

According to the Cabinet Secretary, Kenya gained more than 140 billion in forex earning from the horticultural earnings last year “We have established that the fair has been able to bring on board different people here in Naivasha, where they have been able to meet with the farmers themselves, chemical producers that support the agricultural sector and am happy to meet exhibitors that are keen in trying to support the government in the agenda of mechanization.

The development of this sector necessitates a concerted effort from the government. We are actively exploring avenues for increased mechanization and the expansion of our export capabilities, utilizing both our airports and seaports,” the CS said

The fair that initially targeted flower farms and players in the floriculture industry has grown to include banking, motor vehicle manufacturers, accessories providers, financial institutions among others, positioning itself as the largest show in Africa. This year’s edition attracted close to 200 exhibitors and close to 5,000 visitors from both local and international globe.

“What stood out during this year’s show was the huge interest from startup companies. From exhibitors to visitors the enthusiasm was very clear. It is a good sign because it shows how the horticulture industry has come of age and the need to have this platform in order for the big and small players in the industry to interact and exchange ideas,” said Richard MC Gonnell, the Chairman of the fair.

Exhibition booths and pavilions dotting a mixture of colors and designs were immaculately arranged at the Naivasha Sports Club, the venue of the fair. The venue was a buzz of activities as exhibitors put their best foot forward to showcase products and services to potential farmers and buyers.

Since it is an outdoor event, the weather plays an important role and light showers in the eve of the first day did well to settle the dust while the sunny days was godsend as this allowed many to turn up even with their children. The sweet sounds from the entertainment band kept the mood ablaze.
The organizers of the fair were very happy. “All went well and clients seemed to be happy on the business side, all in all, everything went well”, said Chairman Richard Mc Gonnell.

As the horticulture industry evolves and experiences success, new markets are emerging and new ways of doing business, the fair has positioning itself as a focal point in bringing buyers and sellers across the world together. Next year, the Fair will take place on September 15 and 16.