South Eastern Kenya University (SEKU), in partnership with the Eastern Africa Grain Council (EAGC), AGRA and the County Government of Kitui, successfully hosted the Lower Eastern Region Agribusiness Expo on 30th July 2026, at the University's Main Campus in Kwa Vonza. The Expo brought together thousands of farmers, researchers, policymakers, development partners, agribusiness enterprises, students, financial institutions and agricultural technology providers in a shared commitment to advancing sustainable food systems.
Held under the theme "Climate-Smart Technologies and Practices for Sustainable Food Systems," the Expo provided a vibrant platform for knowledge exchange, innovation, networking and business linkages aimed at strengthening agricultural productivity and resilience in Kenya's arid and semi-arid regi
The event was o presided over by the Deputy Governor of Kitui County, H.E. Kanani on behalf of the Governor, who commended the partnership between SEKU, EAGC and other stakeholders for creating opportunities that empower farmers through innovation, technology and market access. He underscored the importance of adopting climate-smart agricultural practices to enhance food security, improve livelihoods and build resilient farming communities in the face of climate change.
Speaking during the opening ceremony, SEKU Vice-Chancellor represented by the DVC Academic Reserch and Innovaton Prof. Harrisson Maitya reaffirmed the University's commitment to driving agricultural transformation through research, innovation and community engagement. He noted that as a university located within Kenya's drylands, SEKU continues to develop practical solutions that address challenges facing farmers while promoting sustainable agricultural production.
The Vice-Chancellor emphasized that partnerships between academia, government, the private sector and development partners are essential in translating research into practical technologies that improve productivity and create economic opportunities for farming communities.
The Expo featured exhibitions from more than 30 organizations showcasing climate-smart agricultural technologies, improved seed varieties, irrigation systems, mechanization solutions, post-harvest technologies, financial services and digital innovations for agriculture. Farmers interacted directly with exhibitors, gaining hands-on experience through live demonstrations and receiving expert advice on improving productivity and reducing post-harvest losses.
One of the key highlights of the event was the Business-to-Business (B2B) market linkage sessions that connected farmers with grain buyers, aggregators and processors, creating opportunities for structured marketing and improved incomes. Through the AGRA-funded RE-GAIN Programme, farmers also accessed subsidized food loss reduction technologies, including hermetic storage bags, silos, tarpaulins and other post-harvest management solutions designed to minimize losses and enhance grain quality.
Participants attended technical presentations and interactive sessions on climate-smart farming, sustainable land management, value addition, agribusiness financing, market opportunities and innovative technologies that can increase agricultural resilience while improving household incomes.
The successful Expo reaffirmed SEKU's growing role as a regional centre of excellence in agricultural research, innovation and technology transfer. Through strategic collaborations with organizations such as the Eastern Africa Grain Council and the County Government of Kitui, the University continues to bridge research, education and industry while supporting national efforts to achieve food security, climate resilience and sustainable economic development.
