The 9th Africa Agri Expo 2026 kicked off on Thursday at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), bringing together farmers, agribusiness entrepreneurs, policymakers, and investors to showcase innovations in agriculture, value addition, and sustainable food systems across the continent.
Kiambu County is making a strong showing at the event, with local producers highlighting processed agricultural products designed to increase farmer incomes and expand market opportunities.
At the Kiambu County exhibition booth, Triza Mwaniki, the CEO of LYNTS Limited located in Membley, Ruiru, attracted significant crowds with her plantain chips branded “Lynts.” These chips are produced from bananas through various value-adding processes. Mwaniki highlighted the substantial increase in demand for her products, which has led her to source raw bananas from an expanding number of counties.
“This expo has given me a great opportunity. It will help increase my portfolio and reach more customers,” she said.
Meanwhile, Solomon Kuria, a change agent for GUDGODAH a community-based organization supporting youths, widows, and single mothers presented an impressive lineup of value-added products developed by the group.
Among the other sight capturing shows was avocado oil being processed for cosmetic use. According to Kuria, the oil helps prevent hair breakage, smoothening it, and treats dandruff. He explained the impressive economics behind it: “Twenty avocados produce one liter of the oil, and when properly packaged, it can fetch up to Sh8,000.”
The CBO also showcased pure sunflower oil extracted from sunflower seeds and marketed as a healthy, chemical-free alternative for frying in our kitchens.
“This product is of great value because it is free from chemicals. People should embrace it to avoid health complications associated with chemically engineered cooking oils,” Kuria stated. He further urged young people to consider value addition as a sustainable pathway to earning a living.
Despite the promising products, Kuria pointed out serious production constraints hampering the group’s growth. He cited small-scale machines that limit output, frequent breakdowns, and intermittent power outages as major bottlenecks in meeting rising demand.
“We are calling on the Kiambu County Government to support us with better equipment and reliable power so that we can achieve greater output and enlarge our markets,” he appealed.
The strong participation by Kiambu entrepreneurs at the two-day expo underscores the county’s growing focus on post-harvest value addition as a strategy for economic empowerment, job creation, and improved livelihoods in the agricultural sector.
By Felix Kipkorir
