By Suleiman Mbatiah
For the first time in its over century-long history, the Nakuru National Show, organized by the Agricultural Society of Kenya (ASK), will allow visitors to purchase livestock exhibited at the event, transforming the annual show into a dynamic marketplace for farmers, breeders, and agricultural enthusiasts.
The Nakuru ASK Show will run from Wednesday, July 2 to Sunday, July 6 at the Nakuru Showground, bringing together exhibitors and visitors for five days of innovation, agribusiness, trade, education, livestock displays, and family-friendly entertainment.
This year’s show, themed “Promoting Climate-Smart Agriculture and Trade Initiatives for Sustainable Economic Growth,” is expected to draw over 150 exhibitors and thousands of visitors from Nakuru, Kericho, Nyandarua, Baringo, Laikipia, Narok, Bomet, and beyond.
Traditionally focused on showcasing pedigree livestock, innovative farming techniques, and advanced agricultural technologies, the event now introduces livestock sales, adding a new dimension to its offerings.
Dr. Perminus Migwi, Chairman of the Nakuru ASK Show, described the decision as a “game-changer” for Kenya’s agricultural sector, addressing long-standing demands from farmers and breeders for direct connections between exhibitors and buyers.
“For years, visitors have admired high-quality livestock, from top-grade dairy cows to resilient indigenous breeds. Now, they can purchase these animals to enhance their herds and boost productivity,” Dr. Migwi stated at a media breakfast.
All livestock on sale have been carefully selected and vetted by the Kenya Livestock Breeders Organization (KLBO), ensuring that only healthy, well-bred, and high-quality animals are presented to prospective buyers during the show.
Farmers will also benefit from training by experts from Egerton University, the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), and established breeders, covering best practices for animal husbandry and integration into farming systems.
The livestock sales initiative aligns with the show’s climate-smart agriculture theme, promoting sustainable economic growth amid regional challenges like drought and food insecurity.
“By acquiring these animals, farmers are investing in resilience. These breeds support strategies to adapt to climate change while improving yields and livelihoods,” Dr. Migwi emphasized.
Interested buyers must register at the KLBO pavilion, where catalogues detailing breed, age, and health information are available. Licensed brokers will facilitate sales, with prices based on pedigree and market rates.
Dr. Migwi noted that past ASK auctions have seen champion bulls fetch over KSh 1 million in Nairobi and dairy cows exceed KSh 300,000 in Eldoret, highlighting the initiative’s potential to modernize exhibitions by directly linking sellers and buyers
