Biz Lounge: The unsung heroes of Nakuru ASK grounds

Preparations for the Nakuru Agricultural Show are in full swing, with exhibitors racing against time to ready their displays ahead of the official opening on Wednesday, July 2nd. 

The event, which will run through Sunday, July 6th, 2025, will be held under the theme "Promoting Climate Smart Agriculture and Trade Initiatives for Sustainable Economic Growth."

The showground is already a hive of activity. The entrance has transformed, with neatly mowed grass welcoming visitors, and the familiar scent of fresh paint hangs in the air. 

Stalls are being refurbished, structures repainted, and displays fine-tuned—all in preparation for the grand showcase. For many workers behind the scenes, this season presents more than just a flurry of tasks—it’s a chance to earn a living.

Shadrack Mwangangi and Douglas Vovo have been mowing grass at the showground for three years. They describe June as one of their busiest months. 

“This is the time when people start preparing their spaces,” says Mwangangi. “The grass and flowers are usually overgrown, and there’s always demand for mowing.”

According to Vovo, the workload can be overwhelming. “There are days we have to bring in an extra hand—one person mows, another trims the edges, and someone else takes care of the flower beds,” he explains.

Their service charges range from Sh. 500 to Sh. 10,000 depending on the plot size. On most days, they begin working as early as 7 a.m. and often wrap up late in the evening, especially as the show draws near. Mowing the main arena, Vovo notes, can take up to 12 hours. 

“The biggest challenge is dealing with uneven ground and hidden stones. They slow us down and can even damage our machines,” he says.

Meanwhile, veteran painter Geoffrey Amanda is hard at work in a blue dust coat, fully absorbed in his craft. A painter with 30 years of experience, Amanda plays a vital role in branding the exhibitor stands. “What I love most is being part of bringing the theme to life through art,” he says.

Though many exhibitors are turning to digital designs, Amanda finds joy in those who still embrace hand-painted artwork. 

“It’s rewarding to see art still valued. I even bring college students to the show to teach them,” he adds. “It’s not just about painting—it inspires young people and even sparks their interest in agriculture.”

Amanda often works late into the night to beat tight deadlines, ensuring everything is ready before judges arrive.

First-timer Doreen Wanjala is contributing to the show’s cleanliness and general upkeep. She moves from section to section, ensuring the grounds remain spotless.

“I start work at 8 a.m. and finish at 5 p.m. I’m just grateful to be earning something rather than staying idle at home,” she says.

Wanjala is paid weekly, a system she appreciates. “It helps me meet my needs without relying on my parents,” she adds.

These workers may be behind the scenes, but their contributions are essential to the success and beauty of the showground—proof that every brushstroke and mowed lawn is part of a bigger picture.

First-timer Doreen Wanjala is contributing to the show’s cleanliness and general upkeep. She moves from section to section, ensuring the grounds remain spotless.

“I start work at 8 a.m. and finish at 5 p.m. I’m just grateful to be earning something rather than staying idle at home,” she says.

Wanjala is paid weekly, a system she appreciates. “It helps me meet my needs without relying on my parents,” she adds.

As the countdown to the show begins, it’s clear that behind the glitter of exhibition stands and crowds are hardworking individuals who make it all possible—one brushstroke, lawn cut, and paint layer at a time.