Richard says, NHFair is social and Professional

It’s that time of the year that agri-business players stump their presence in one of key horticultural fair in the world; Naivasha Horticultural Fair, that is taking place from 23rd to 24th September at Naivasha Sports Club.
This event is in its 14th year and attracts an audience from across the continent and Europe. Over the years, the show has grown immensely in size and this year it is expected to be bigger and better. Hortfresh Journal crew paid a courtesy call to the Hortfair chairman, Mr. Richard Mc Gonnell to give an insight of what to expect.

Tell us more about Naivasha Horticultural Fair?
The show is marking its 14th edition this year since its inception. The event show-cases products and services from stake-holders in the horticultural industry; primarily flower industry but also car manufacturers, accessories, financial institutions and others.
We have seen a 10% increase in the number of visitors and exhibitors every edition and we expect the same this year. We have tried to keep it more professional and social. This is the place to meet friends since most of the growers are very busy. It is open to members of the public and provides a range of entertainment; live bands, kiddies’ corner, BBQ’s, drink and a food court; providing a family friendly weekend out.
What are your expectations for example numbers of visitors?
We have a lot of expectations. We are expecting a huge turnout who actually will be potential investors looking for potential opportunities from across the continent and Europe. We are hoping more small scale farmers will visit.
What are some of the things you have undertaken to make 2016 fair a success?
You are aware of the security scare that threatens fairs like this, we have beefed up security during the show. Every visitor will be subjected to a tight security check that will be very vigorous because our visitors are our ambassadors. We want to assure them that security will be paramount. The designs and layout of the show; we want to assure the exhibitors it will be outstanding and an equal share to every visitor.
You have undertaken several charity projects; which among the projects are outstanding and why?
NHFair Trust is completely charitable with all the money raised going towards raising awareness and living standards of children, girl and woman organizations. We are channeling most of the revenues to charitable events in Naivasha and its environs.
All the projects we have undertaken are all exemplary. Naivasha Children’s Shelter, Safe House, Adopt a Village where we take on a village and uplift the life of those people who live in and around that area, plus many more. We have built Child Protection Unit at Naivasha Police Station. We have built computer labs, libraries to schools and purchased books, bought computers for schools and built water tanks. We have built three classes at Nyamathi secondary school and planted trees in the schools and many more.
Where do you see the fair in the coming years?
The fair will be the biggest in the region. We have seen it increasing every year and actually we have managed to make it business oriented where exhibitors and visitors make contacts; great for networking; beautiful and great fun too. It continue to be an important part of the horticultural year and will continue to grow encompassing the small and medium farmers in the sector; so it will remain to be a big business opportunity for all involved parties.
Comment on the issues bedeviling the Floriculture industry?
The closure of Karuturi is a big loss of jobs to many who depended on it for a livelihood. Arable land for farming in Kenya is very expensive thus scaring away potential investors who would actually reduce on the joblessness in the country by employing the locals. The tax regime is another obstacle which the government really need to address.
Where do you draw your strengths to run up and down in organizing the fair?
I used to work in Europe, and my manager then taught me more of multi-tasking hence I give him credit to that. I have worked for 43 years in this industry hence I have gained a lot of experience.
What are your final comments?
We intend to be in this Fair for more years to come. Personally I want to thank the sponsors who have kept the fair the way it is: Green Life Africa Ltd, Agrichem Africa Ltd, CFC Stanbic Bank and Nation media Group (Seeds of Gold).