Kitui Agricultural Trade Fair Rescheduled to February 2026 Due to Ongoing Ithookwe Showground Upgrades

By YOANA KIMWELE.

The County Government of Kitui has officially rescheduled the much-anticipated 2025 Kitui Agricultural Trade Fair from July this year to February 2026, citing ongoing construction works at the Ithookwe Showground.

The announcement was made by Dr. Kimwele Mbaya, the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Agriculture and Livestock Development, who confirmed that the postponement is intended to give room for massive infrastructural upgrades currently underway at the venue.

The uplift project, being undertaken by the National Government at a cost of KSh 800 million, aims to transform the Ithookwe Showground into a modern events facility capable of hosting large-scale agricultural exhibitions and trade expos.

Dr. Mbaya stated that the decision was reached after consultations between the county and national governments.

“We cannot hold a major event like the agricultural trade fair in a venue where security, infrastructure, and access are compromised,” said the minister.

He urged all stakeholders, including farmers, exhibitors, and partners, to continue preparing for what he termed “the mother of all trade fairs” in February 2026, promising that the revamped venue will offer an even better experience.

The minister also used the opportunity to call on farmers to embrace Smart Agriculture technologies to boost productivity and adapt to changing climatic conditions.

“Let us use this time to equip ourselves with modern farming knowledge and techniques so that when we meet in February, we can showcase real progress,” he added.

The trade fair, traditionally held in July, has grown into a major event in Kitui’s agricultural calendar, attracting thousands of attendees from across the region. The rescheduled date is expected to allow for full participation by stakeholders and showcase the revamped Ithookwe facility once complete.

Ends///