From Nakuru To The World: How The ASK Show Is Expanding Its Global Reach

By Suleiman Mbatiah

This year’s Nakuru National Agricultural Show has gained international prominence after organizers confirmed the participation of a Brazilian agricultural and government delegation and senior World Ploughing Organization officials at the five-day event next month.

The visits are expected to strengthen Kenya’s agricultural partnerships, expand trade opportunities for local farmers, and raise Nakuru County’s profile as a growing hub for international agricultural exhibitions and competitions.

The Brazilian delegation will attend the show from July 1 as part of a reciprocal agricultural exchange programme following a Kenyan livestock trade mission to Brazil earlier this year that brought together global farmers, breeders, and government officials.

Agricultural Society of Kenya Nakuru Show Chairman Dr. Perminus Migwi said the April mission delivered significant commercial and technical benefits by fostering business opportunities and strengthening commercial linkages between the two countries. Speaking at an exhibitors’ briefing at the Nakuru ASK Showground, he said participants had been directly exposed to key Brazilian institutions, production systems, and private sector stakeholders in the livestock and agribusiness sectors.

The Kenyan delegation participated in Expo Zebu and AgriShow, two of Brazil’s largest agricultural exhibitions, where they explored livestock genetics, agricultural technology, mechanization, and international agribusiness opportunities. Brazil ranks among the world’s leading agricultural exporters and is a major producer of beef, poultry, soybeans, and sugar, making it a strategically important partner for countries pursuing agricultural modernization and expanded export markets.

“The July visit will allow Brazilian representatives to observe Kenyan farming practices, exhibition standards, and livestock production systems while exploring opportunities for future investment and collaboration with local stakeholders,” Dr. Migwi said.

The branch believes the exchange could lead to stronger trade networks, knowledge sharing, and technology transfer, particularly in livestock breeding, animal health, feed production, and climate-resilient agricultural practices.

Alongside the Brazilian delegation, the show will host senior officials from the World Ploughing Organisation, who are expected to assess Kenya’s readiness to host a future edition of the World Ploughing Contest. The evaluation visit forms part of a formal bidding process and could strengthen Kenya’s chances of securing hosting rights for the prestigious competition, which draws participants and agricultural experts from across the world.

Kenya has previously hosted the World Ploughing Contest twice, first at Egerton University in Njoro in 1995 and again in 2017, placing the country among a small group of repeat hosts globally. The Kenya Ploughing Organization, established in 1996 under the Agricultural Society of Kenya, continues to organize national competitions and identify people who represent the country at international events.

Dr. Migwi said the incoming delegations would significantly elevate the event’s international profile, noting that their presence would give the show a global outlook and provide Kenyan farmers and traders with a platform to showcase their livestock and crops to an international audience.

“This year’s show is not just about what happens within these grounds. It is about connecting Kenyan farmers to the world, and the world to Kenyan agriculture,” he said, adding that the branch was pursuing a broader vision for the exhibition beyond its traditional role.

The 2026 Nakuru National Agricultural Show runs from July 1 to 5 under the theme “Promoting Climate Smart Agriculture and Trade Initiatives for Sustainable Economic Growth.” More than 115 local and international exhibitors have already confirmed participation, with organizers projecting one of the highest attendance figures in recent years against a target of more than 200 exhibitors.