Eldoret National Show Targets 150,000 Visitors as Organisers Unveil Expanded Five-Day Programme

Eldoret National Show will this year run for five days, with organisers projecting over 150,000 showgoers and up to 200 exhibitors.

Addressing journalists during a media briefing, Chief Steward and Vice Chairman Silas Maiyo said the annual event will take place from Wednesday, March 4 to Sunday, March 8, with Sunday newly added to extend the showcase.

“This year we have added one more day, Sunday, so the show will now run for five days,” Mayo said, noting that preparations are complete for what he described as a bigger and more innovative exhibition.

The show activities will begin earlier with a Harvest Festival on March 1 at AIC Fellowship, followed by a pre-show and judging day on March 3, where exhibitors will be assessed and awarded.

Climate-Smart Agriculture Theme

This year’s theme is “Promoting Climate Smart Agriculture and Trade Initiative for Sustainable Economic Growth.” Organisers say the focus will be on sustainable farming practices, agribusiness, and trade innovations aimed at strengthening the agricultural sector.

Maiyo revealed that at least 150 trade exhibitors are expected, up from 120 last year, with livestock exhibitors projected at 120. These include 80 exhibitors for sheep and goats, 20 for pigs, and 30 for poultry.

Among the key innovations to be showcased are mobile milking parlours, energy-saving technologies, automotive process applications, and gadgets for detecting aflatoxin in stored produce. Farmers will also have access to new coffee processing machinery and agribusiness solutions.

Exhibitors will include seed companies, pharmaceutical firms, financial institutions, manufacturers, universities, tertiary institutions, motor vehicle dealers, textile companies, ministries and parastatals, hospitality players, research bodies, and insurance companies.

Affordable Housing and Police Services

In line with the government’s affordable housing agenda, housing exhibitors will be present to provide information to members of the public interested in owning homes.

The National Police Service will also participate in the show, with organisers announcing that certificates of good conduct will be processed within 24 hours during the exhibition period.

Chief Guests for Each Day

The five-day event will feature different chief guests:

• Wednesday (Business Day): Area MP CPA Julius Ruto
• Thursday (Farmers’ Day): County Governor Jonathan Bii
• Friday (Official Opening): President William Ruto
• Saturday (Family Day): Senator Jackson Mandago
• Sunday (Family Day): Eldowas Managing Director Mr. Tanui

A livestock auction is scheduled to take place on Friday during the official opening ceremony.

Attendance and Gate Charges

Last year’s show recorded a cumulative attendance of 120,000 visitors. Organisers are targeting more than 150,000 this year.

Gate charges have been slightly adjusted. Adults will pay Sh300, while children will pay Sh250. Organised groups of 10 or more will enjoy discounted rates of Sh250 for adults and Sh200 for children.

The showgrounds will be open daily from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Entertainment and Regional Participation

Beyond agriculture and trade, visitors can expect entertainment including military band displays, livestock parades, acrobatic performances, traditional dances, comedians, local artists, and funfair activities such as merry-go-rounds, water games, bouncing castles, and face painting.

Organisers also confirmed participation from exhibitors from neighbouring Tanzania and Uganda, with invitations extended to other regional partners.

Mayo called on the media to partner with organisers in publicising the event.

“You are the people who market us by advertising to the public. Let’s work together to inform Kenyans about the dates and what they should expect,” he said.