By S, KNA
Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga has promised to support local farmers in turning production into a leading income earner through climate resilient agricultural practices.
Speaking on Thursday while opening this year’s Central Kenya Agricultural Society of Kenya Show at the Kabiru-ini grounds, Kahiga said through innovative technology and sound strategies, the county can boost food production not only for local consumption but also for external markets.
He has singled out efficient utilization of available resources, prudent conservation of environment and leveraging on innovation and ICT for agriculture transformation among pillars his government is utilizing in achieving this end.
“The theme of this year’s Central Kenya National Show, “Promoting Climate Smart Agriculture and Trade Initiatives for Sustainable Economic Growth,” is both timely and of utmost importance. It highlights the pressing need to sustainably enhance agricultural productivity and household incomes, strengthen resilience to the adverse effects of climate change, and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.” he said.
“The theme further underscores the vital role of innovation and technology in advancing climate-smart agriculture as key drivers of food security, agricultural transformation, and trade—critical pillars of our region’s economic growth and development. These pillars are central to driving sustainable economic growth in Nyeri County and across the nation.”
Kahiga has also pledged to continue supporting farmers in policies that will transform every sector of agriculture into a business venture and in the process make farming an attractive undertaking.
He stated that it is only through such interventions that the government can achieve its goal in fighting poverty and making the country food secure with surplus for sale.
He therefore urged farmers visiting the various stands to take advantage of the demonstrations and exhibitions on display and use the acquired knowledge in changing the way they carry out farming back at home.
“As a government, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting farmers through sound policies, targeted programs, and strategic investments aimed at improving access to quality inputs, markets, technology, and critical infrastructure. We firmly believe that investing in agriculture is an investment in the future of our region. We envision agriculture not just as a livelihood, but as a catalyst for industrialization serving as a key source of raw materials for value addition, thereby spurring sustainable development and uplifting the lives of our people.” he stressed.
The Governor termed the annual trade fair-which has attracted exhibitors from Agriculture, Manufacturing, Housing, Small and Medium Enterprises, Banking, Public and Private Institutions, Hospitality, and Education as an invaluable opportunity for farmers to access modern technologies, advanced farming practices, and expanded market linkages.
He therefore said the event offers an ideal platform for agribusinesses, researchers, and policymakers to collaborate in the shared pursuit of transforming agriculture into a more productive, sustainable, and profitable undertaking.
“The County Government of Nyeri will continue to invest across all sectors while strengthening partnerships with stakeholders throughout the agricultural value chain farmers, processors, traders, and exporters alike. Together, we champion climate-smart practices that increase productivity while reducing environmental impact. “he pointed out.
“At the same time, the growing threat of climate change poses a significant challenge to the attainment of these objectives. This reality demands a paradigm shift—one that reorients development efforts to ensure resources are strategically directed toward strengthening key production sectors.”
The A.S.K Central Kenya National Show was launched in 1968 at Ruring’u Stadium but was later shifted to Kabiruini Grounds in 1997.
Owing to its central location, the show was elevated to a National status in 2004 to cater for other districts like Nyandarua, Murang’a, Kiambu and Kirinyaga.
