West Pokot County officially opened the 2025 Agriculture and Trade Fair, bringing together farmers, traders, and development partners under the theme “Promoting Climate-Smart Agriculture and Trade Initiatives for Sustainable Economic Growth.”
Deputy Governor Robert Komolle, who presided over the opening, emphasized the county’s commitment to investing in climate-smart solutions to help farmers adapt to climate change and improve household incomes.
He highlighted initiatives such as drought-resistant crops, modern irrigation technologies, soil health improvement, and resilient livestock breeds as key strategies to cushion farmers against the worsening impacts of climate change.
“For too long, our farmers have borne the brunt of climate change. But we are now embracing solutions that will transform farming from subsistence to prosperity,” he said, stressing the importance of value addition and stronger market linkages to guarantee farmers fair returns.
The County Executive for Agriculture, Wilfred Long’ironyang, noted that the fair is more than an exhibition space. It offers farmers hands-on learning through training, extension services, and demonstration farms.
“This fair provides a platform for farmers to share ideas, adopt new techniques, and connect with potential buyers,” he explained.
Governor Simon Kachapin praised the transformation already visible across the county.
Over the past few years, his administration has introduced climate-smart farming practices, strengthened livestock improvement through the Nasukuta Centre, and expanded fruit tree nurseries at Aramaket.
Investments in agri-preneurs have also taken knowledge and skills directly to farmers at the grassroots, helping to scale up adoption of new practices.
The results, the governor noted, are clear: higher milk yields, improved family diets, additional income from cash crops like avocado, mango, macadamia, and coffee, and a growing interest among young people in agribusiness as a viable career path.
“Farming is no longer only about subsistence, it is becoming a driver of opportunity for our people,” he remarked.
The three-day fair will feature exhibitions of modern farming technologies, value chain innovations, and partnerships aimed at strengthening resilience and ensuring food security in West Pokot.
It marks a significant step in positioning agriculture as the backbone of the county’s sustainable economic growth.