South Eastern Kenya University and the East Africa Grain Council co-hosted a successful Agribusiness Expo, which brought together more than 30 exhibitors from the agribusiness, finance, insurance, ICT, and equipment sectors, along with up to 1,500 farmers from Kitui, Machakos, and Makueni counties and beyond.
The expo was officially opened by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academic Research and Innovation, Prof. Harrison Maithya. The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Rose Musyoka, with additional remarks from Mr. Gerald Masika, Executive Director of the East Africa Grain Council.
Prof. Maithya noted that the expo served as an "open-air classroom, a living lab where farmers meet researchers, students meet entrepreneurs, and innovation meets need." He added, “We are especially excited about the practical demonstrations—from regenerative farming methods to solar-powered irrigation systems—which echo our belief in the power of contextual, scalable innovations.”
The theme of the expo, “Climate Smart Technologies and Practices for Sustainable Food Systems,” directly addressed the urgent need for sustainable solutions in the face of a changing climate.
This collaboration reaffirmed a shared commitment to promoting technologies and practices that are not only climate-smart but also smart for business, nutrition, and the future. It emphasized investing in solutions that restore our soils, protect our water, feed our families, and grow our economy.