AI and precision agriculture to take centre stage at Nairobi show

Batram Muthoka, CEO of the Agricultural Society of Kenya, made the remarks during the Harvest Festival Sunday service at ACK All Saints Cathedral in Nairobi held on September 20, where farmers, exhibitors, industry stakeholders and members of the public gathered to celebrate the contribution of farmers to food security, livelihoods and the economy ahead of the Nairobi International Trade Fair.

“The Fair will focus on practical solutions such as climate-smart production, efficient use of inputs, water management, resilient crops and technologies that improve productivity and reduce production risks. It will also expose farmers to market and value-chain opportunities that can improve returns,” he said.

“Technology will be central to the Fair. AI, precision agriculture, digital tools and data-driven farming can help farmers make better decisions, use inputs more efficiently and respond to climate and market risks. The Fair provides a practical space for visitors to see how these technologies can be applied on the farm.”

The fair opens on September 28 at Jamhuri Park Showground and will run until October 4, 2026, with more than 500 exhibitors expected. The event will bring together farmers, agribusinesses, manufacturers, technology companies, financial institutions, innovators, investors and consumers from Kenya, the region and international markets.

The festival, held during the Sunday service, provided an opportunity to recognise farmers for their contribution to feeding the country, celebrate the agricultural season and give back to the community through donations to orphanages and children's homes.

John Kibira, National Chairman of the Agricultural Society of Kenya said the Harvest Festival was an important moment for farmers and the wider agricultural community. “The Harvest Festival is an opportunity to give thanks for the agricultural season, celebrate our farmers and give back to the community through donations to orphanages and children’s homes,” he said. “It also sets the tone for the Nairobi International Trade Fair, which brings together farmers, businesses, innovators and consumers to showcase agriculture as a driver of food security, trade and economic growth.”

The festival comes as farmers and agribusinesses prepare to use the Nairobi International Trade Fair as a platform to identify new markets, technologies and commercial partnerships.

Anthony Kioko, Chief Guest and CEO of the Cereal Growers Association, said the Fair would provide practical opportunities for farmers and businesses to expand their networks and improve their operations.

“The Fair connects farmers and businesses to new markets, technologies, suppliers, investors and potential customers. It also provides opportunities to learn practical production and business skills, showcase products and build partnerships beyond their immediate markets.”

Technology will form an important part of the exhibition, with farmers and visitors expected to encounter applications of artificial intelligence, precision agriculture, digital platforms, data-driven farming and other technologies designed to improve decision-making and resource efficiency.

The Fair will also place emphasis on the participation of young people, with the A.S.K. seeking to position agriculture as a commercial and technology-driven sector capable of creating opportunities across the agricultural value chain.

Levi Mukhweso, Chairman of the A.S.K. Nairobi Branch, said the organisation wanted to expose young people to the wider commercial opportunities available in agriculture.

“We want young people to see agriculture not simply as subsistence farming, but as a modern business and technology-driven industry. Through exhibitions, innovation showcases, Young Farmers Clubs and opportunities for entrepreneurship, A.S.K. is creating platforms where young people can learn, network and discover commercial opportunities across the agricultural value chain.”

The Harvest Festival Service also provided an opportunity to reflect on the challenges facing farmers, including climate and market shocks, while recognising their continued role in sustaining food production and the wider economy.