Questions over Nakuru ASK Show’s appeal as key exhibitors skip event
KTDA Stand at the Nakuru Agricultural Show.
The 2026 Nakuru Agricultural Show has revealed a noticeable shift in the profile of exhibitors, highlighting changing trends in participation and raising questions about the future appeal of one of the region's largest agricultural exhibitions.
Compared to previous editions, this year's show recorded a significant reduction in the number of established institutions and companies taking part. While the decline has been gradual over the past few years, the absence of several long-time exhibitors was more evident during this year's event, with some of the missing organisations having previously served as major sponsors and key attractions at the annual exhibition.
Among the notable exhibitors that did not participate this year were GDC, KTDA, AFA, CAMCO Agricultural Machinery, and KPC. These organisations have traditionally occupied some of the largest and most prominent exhibition spaces within the showground.
CAMCO stand now was used as packing
Consequently, their absence left several sections of the venue either vacant, parking space or with visibly underutilized infrastructure, creating a different outlook compared to previous years.
However, despite the departure of some established exhibitors, the vacant spaces have provided an opportunity for new organisations to showcase their products and services.
For instance, the former GDC exhibition space was taken over by the National Youth Service (NYS), a new exhibitor at the Nakuru Agricultural Show. The institution made an impressive debut, earning several awards during the competition and attracting considerable interest from visitors.
Similarly, the space previously occupied by KPC has now been taken up by Nakuru International College, which has utilised the large exhibition area to display its academic programmes and institutional initiatives, signalling the growing diversity of exhibitors at the annual event.
Meanwhile, several organisations made a welcome return after a two-year absence. KCC, Kenya Dairy Board and Kenya National Highway Authority were among the exhibitors that resumed participation, having last showcased their products and services during the 2023 edition of the show.
The changing exhibition landscape has sparked questions on the future direction of the Nakuru Agricultural Show. As participation patterns continue to evolve, there is growing sentiment that show organisers may need to re-evaluate the annual theme and review the overall implementation of the exhibition.
Such measures could help ensure the event remains relevant to industry players, attracts a wider range of exhibitors, and continues to serve as a meaningful platform for showcasing innovations in agriculture, trade and related sectors.