Nairobi Trade Fair puts spotlight on innovation as Kenya braces for rising hunger fears
According to the latest food insecurity update by ReliefWeb, the number of people facing high levels of acute food insecurity fell to 1.8 million between July and September, down from 2.2 million earlier in the year between February and March.
Kenya’s agricultural sector is grappling with a mixed reality, even as reports show a recent drop in severe hunger levels.
According to the latest food insecurity update by ReliefWeb, the number of people facing high levels of acute food insecurity fell to 1.8 million between July and September, down from 2.2 million earlier in the year between February and March.
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However, the outlook remains grim. The update warns that during the projection period from October 2025 to January 2026, food security is expected to worsen, particularly during the short rains season (October–December 2025).
“An estimated 2.1 million people are likely to face high levels of acute food insecurity,” the report reads.
The anticipated decline is mainly linked to below-average rainfall, which is expected to push staple food prices higher. Conflicts over resource management and increased human–wildlife interactions are also seen as contributing factors.
Across the continent, the latest food systems report by the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) shows that intra-African agri-food trade has more than doubled since 2003.
The growth has been fuelled by rising demand, better trade facilitation, and regional integration efforts such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Hunger and malnutrition
Yet, despite these advances, hunger and malnutrition remain deeply entrenched.
Speaking ahead of the annual International Trade Fair—popularly known as the ‘Nairobi Show’—experts from the Agricultural Society of Kenya (ASK) said the sector must intensify efforts to progressively reduce hunger.
They pointed to targeted initiatives, including platforms like the ‘Meet and ASK Show’, which play a vital role in connecting farmers, innovators, and policymakers to practical food security solutions.
Levi Mukhweso, Chief Steward of the ASK Nairobi branch, emphasised that bridging the current food security gap requires a stronger connection between agriculture and education to address structural weaknesses.
“Agriculture should be treated as the key. The notion still exists that agriculture is for people who never made it in school. That notion should not be there,” Levi said.
Real-time innovations
He highlighted the importance of exposing students to real-time innovations through agricultural shows, lamenting that academic calendars often prevent such opportunities.
Levi also emphasised the need for greater innovation to boost food production, noting this will be a key focus of the fair. Despite rising intra-regional food trade, he said population pressure and a persistent knowledge gap continue to drive hunger.
While there is enough food across the continent, Levi argued that the real issue lies in coordination. He pointed out that some regions are abundant in produce yet remain disconnected from food-scarce areas due to weak logistics and a lack of market intelligence.
Exhibitors
The week-long fair, running from September 29 to October 5 at Jamhuri Park Showground in Nairobi, will bring together more than 250 exhibitors from across the agricultural value chain. The aim is to spur the sector through knowledge exchange and partnerships for sustainable food production.
Exhibitors will include agri-tech firms, SMEs, universities, corporate organisations, and international participants from China, India, Ghana, Tanzania, South Africa, and Nigeria.
Highlights will feature live agri-tech demonstrations, climate-smart farming showcases, women- and youth-led innovation hubs, as well as interactive B2B networking and knowledge-sharing sessions.
Joseph Mugo, the branch chairman, underscored the significance of the event.
“The Nairobi International Trade Fair is more than an exhibition; it is a movement. It is where tradition meets transformation and where Kenya’s resilience, innovation and excellence are showcased to the world,” Mugo said.
“Since 1902, ASK has hosted this trade fair. Over the decades, it has evolved into East Africa’s platform for agricultural transformation, trade advancement and technological innovation.”
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