Coast ASK plans over the showground

The Agricultural Society of Kenya (ASK) is set to transform the Mombasa show ground into a throughout the year exhibition centre.

ASK Coast branch chairman Anthony Mrima said the aim is to turn the showground into a daily exhibition centre since the prime land remains dormant after the five-day event in August.

Mr Mrima said ASK will hold discussions with agricultural and livestock research bodies to prevail upon them to hold daily demonstrations to educate farmers on new farming methods and animal husbandry.

This, he said, will boost food production and avert biting famine which affects thousands of locals since the region is not self sufficient in food production.

He noted that the society has already approached Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI), Kenya Sugar Research Foundation (Kefri) among other organisations to start daily displays.

“The show ground is underutilised after the annual five day event normally held in August every year. Our farmers don’t gain much knowledge from a few days’ fair,” the ASK official said.

“Plans are in the pipeline for the society to allow exhibitors and research bodies to show case their products and new inventions throughout the year for the benefit of the public,” he added.

He added that locals and visitors will have the opportunity to visit the ground at their convenience and learn modern farming methods, improved seeds, animal husbandry among other things.

“The daily exhibitions will spur economic growth in the area as farmers, companies and the local business community will have the chance to promote their products,” Mr Mrima said.

State corporations such as the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), Kenya Power & Lighting Company (KPLC) among others, he said, have to lease their huge stands temporarily to traders who want to utilise the facilities.

He noted that the exhibitions are also geared towards generating more revenue to the society to assist in improving facilities on the ground.

ASK, he said, plans to spend millions of shillings on refurbishing the president’s pavilion, tarmacking of roads, the arena area to create a conducive environment to show goers.