ASK SHOW 2016 This year’s Nairobi International Trade Fair (NITF) attracted over 500 exhibitors that include local, regional and foreign participants. According to the branch chairperson, Ms. Minne Njage, this is a higher number compared to last year. The trade- fair kicked off on 3rd- 9th October 2016 with the theme; “Enhancing Technology in Agriculture and Industry for Food Security and National Growth.” NITF which was known as agricultural show was named as Trade Fair in the year 2002. (NITF) is now the largest Trade Fair in the East African Region. It offers an opportunity for businesses both in the private and public sector to network, seek markets and showcase their expertise in various areas of specialty. This year’s Trade Fair was the 13th Nairobi edition. Ms. Njage said the Fair through its theme has continued to offer a platform “to enhance business integration through an all-inclusive participation by regional, continental and global exhibitors.” National Water Conservation and Pipeline Corporation (NWCPC) participated in this year’s Trade Fair and show cased its expertise in the water sector. These include the use of green technology which results in economic efficiency. These include: rain water retention, water conservation, and use of irrigation systems. According to the UNEP report 2011 “Towards a green economy…; investing in the green sectors including the water sector is critical towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). NWCPC also sourced for borehole drilling business through the Business Development Unit. Although borehole drilling is now a function of the Counties, NWCPC offers the service at a fee to the Counties and any other public or private institution.

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NWCPC staff at their stand at the ASK show ground

The Ag. Managing Director Mr. Andrew M. Wanyonyi, food security through agriculture, industrialization and economic growth all rely on access to water hence water is the starting point. NWCPC was ranked the 3rd best stand in water and waste water services. The Board Chairman Dr. Julius Kones said technology is inevitable especially in the water sector. He said use of technology will improve efficiency, reduce cost of food production hence realization of food security and economic growth as the theme of the Trade Fair puts it.

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NWCPC Board Chairman Dr. Kones with Directors visit NWCPC stand at the Show Nairobi Governor Dr. Evans Kidero graced the occasion as a host and emphasized the need to empower the small-scale farmers as an effective means to contribute to a country’s economic growth and food security. The Governor praised the use of technology in agriculture saying this was key in value addition and increase in productivity. “Modern agricultural technology is the key to spurring growth in the food industry and national economy.” Said Dr. Kidero. President Uhuru Kenyatta officially opened the Trade Fair on 7th of October 2016. He thanked ASK for quality exhibition and increased number of exhibitors both local and foreign, saying this had advanced the use of technology and innovation in the country. The President said the Trade Fair provided a forum to share ideas, experiences and capital. He also acknowledged the challenges farmers face saying: “our farmers require regular supply of water, if they are to grow the food crops and raise the livestock that will feed our people.” Key exhibitions were: government institutions, universities and other research institutions, new irrigation systems, livestock section, solar energy among others. The water sector exhibited new technologies and innovations in the sector as a foundation of water resource management. The exhibitors were judged in 48 different categories, including innovation and invention, and theme interpretation.

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