Chuka Agribusiness Expo Empowers 800 Farmers,
Unveils Kenya’s First Sorghum Harvester
Over 800 farmers gathered at Chuka University for a transformative Agribusiness Exhibition
organized by the Eastern Africa Grain Council (EAGC). The event, spearheaded by
EAGC Managing Director Gerald Masila, showcased groundbreaking agricultural
technologies, market solutions, and post-harvest management strategies aimed at
revolutionizing Kenya’s agribusiness sector.
The highlight of the expo was the historic unveiling of Kenya’s first sorghum harvester, a
game-changer in mechanized farming. The harvester, demonstrated at the event,
promises to enhance efficiency, reduce labor costs, and increase productivity
for sorghum farmers. Masila announced that the harvester will soon be tested in
real farm conditions, allowing farmers to witness its full potential firsthand.
Farmers attending the conference as they witness the showcase.
The exhibition focused on structured markets, post-harvest solutions, and agricultural aggregation,
urging farmers to form groups and join EAGC. Through Ji-Soko, an online trading
platform, EAGC is helping farmers access reliable markets, ensuring fair pricing
and reducing exploitation by middlemen.
Chuka University, a key partner in the event, emphasized the critical role of irrigation in
achieving food security. Representing the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Gilbert Nduru
underscored the importance of continuous farmer education and the adoption of
modern farming techniques to combat climate challenges.
Several agribusiness companies participated, offering cutting-edge food safety and irrigation
solutions designed to boost productivity and reduce post-harvest losses.
Lilian Micheni, Secretary of the Mwimbi Muringa Banana Society Cooperative, lauded the training
provided on post-harvest handling and loss prevention, which is crucial in
ensuring farmers maximize their yields and profits.
She also revealed that her cooperative had been struggling with red sorghum market challenges, but
thanks to EAGC, they have now been linked with a reliable buyer, solving a
major hurdle for local farmers.
Micheni urged farmers to adopt drip irrigation systems to mitigate the effects of prolonged dry
seasons and conserve water for sustainable farming.
The exhibition was hailed as a game-changer for smallholder farmers, equipping them with modern
agricultural knowledge, innovative tools, and direct market access, setting the
stage for a more profitable and resilient agribusiness sector in Kenya.
By Christine Ngitori
