This archive report was first published on 5 October 2019.
The Nairobi International Trade Fair has returned with a bang, featuring hundreds of stalls showcasing the latest in agricultural technology and products. The 118th edition of the Agricultural Society of Kenya fair, held at the Jamhuri Showground, attracted 340 exhibitors from across southern Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.
President Uhuru Kenyatta officially opened the fair on Wednesday, announcing plans to hire young people in the food-security industry. The fair provides a platform for innovators and entrepreneurs to showcase their products and connect with potential buyers and investors.
One of the standout innovations on display was the multigrater, a simple machine designed by David Chitayi, an engineer at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology. The machine can grate up to 260 kilogrammes of cassava per hour, preserving the original taste and colour for more than six months. It is also economical, using just 1.1KW of electricity per hour.
Another innovative product on display was the pulper, designed by JKUAT researchers to make fruit purée. The pulper has been adopted by businesses in mango and orange-growing counties, enhancing the shelf life and making transport easier. It can pulp more than 450 kilos of fruits per hour and is a modest consumer of electricity.
The fair also featured a new trend in Kenya - rearing snails for consumption and income. JKUAT researchers have come up with value-addition avenues for the molluscs, including using the slime to make cosmetics and face creams. The African giant snail is the most preferred breed in the country, and can be bred anywhere with low temperatures and high humidity.
The fair also recognized the achievements of farmers and innovators through the 2019 Presidential National Farmers Competition Award Scheme. The winners included Beth Wairimu Kinuthia from Nyandarua County, Caroline Mukuhi from Kiambu, and Jonathan Keter Trans from Nzoia County.
Photos: Francis Nderitu | NMG
