The University of Eldoret once again reaffirmed her place at the heart of Kenya’s agricultural transformation by hosting the 18th Agribusiness Trade Fair, held between 11th and 13th September, 2025 on the university grounds. The event drew over 15,000 thousand farmers, researchers, innovators, agripreneurs, and industry stakeholders from across the country.
This year’s theme, “Promoting Climate-Smart Innovations and Agripreneurship to Spur Industrialization for Sustainable Development,” captured the urgency of reimagining agriculture in the face of climate change, while positioning agribusiness as a catalyst for industrial growth and sustainable livelihoods.
The fair showcased a wide variety of technologies and innovations, ranging from improved seed varieties and climate-resilient livestock breeds to renewable energy solutions, mechanization tools, digital platforms, and climate-smart farming practices. The exhibitors included dairy industry stakeholders, agribusiness companies, farmer cooperatives, financial institutions, government agencies, start-ups, and international partners, all dedicated to fortifying the agri-food system.
According to the University of Eldoret Vice Chancellor, Prof. Thomas Cheruiyot, the fair has evolved into a flagship annual event for the North Rift and Lake Region Economic Blocs, serving as a platform where farmers and industry actors converge to access knowledge, resources, and markets. With over 15000 participants in attendance, the 2025 fair underlined the centrality of agriculture to Kenya’s economic agenda.
The trade fair was officially opened by the Uasin Gishu County Governor, Hon. Jonathan Chelilim. In his speech, he reaffirmed agriculture as “Nguzo Number One” in the county’s development agenda. From potato processing in Ainabkoi to the establishment of aggregation hubs in Moiben, alongside poultry, coffee, animal feeds, and the forthcoming milk processing initiatives, these transformative projects illustrate how agriculture is propelling industrial growth, creating employment opportunities, and uplifting entire communities.
The Role of TAGDev 2.0
A unique highlight of this year’s fair was the incorporation of the Transforming African Agricultural Universities to Meaningfully Contribute to Africa’s Growth and Development (TAGDev 2.0) program. Implemented at the University of Eldoret in partnership with RUFORUM, TAGDev 2.0 has been instrumental in bridging the gap between academia, communities, and industry.
Through student-led innovations, community action research, and agripreneurship incubation, the TAGDev 2.0 team was at the forefront of delivering training to farmers and teen mothers from Bungoma County through Core Health & Wealth on budgeting and planning, personal and group savings, as well as debt management, in partnership with Eldoret Polytechnic trainers.
The program’s earlier needs assessment conducted across NOREB and LREB counties ensured that the technologies highlighted at the fair were a direct response to the challenges articulated by the farmer, ranging from climate adaptation to market accessibility. These innovative solutions were showcased by the TAGDev 2.0 team alongside the University of Eldoret’s key partner, Brookside Dairy.
Beyond business, the fair served as a call to climate responsibility. In line with TAGDev’s greening agenda, the University of Eldoret joined forces with exhibitors and local communities to showcase climate-smart approaches to restoring landscapes. A wide variety of tree seedlings were displayed, reinforcing the message of sustainable land use and management. Conversations around renewable energy adoption and resilient value chains further underscored the urgent need for collective action to safeguard the environment while driving industrialization.
Another innovation spotlight came from the partnership between University of Eldoret and Customized Aviation Solutions (CAS). Led by the CEO Alex Mugane, CAS demonstrated how drone technology can be applied in agriculture ranging from crop spraying to farm geomapping. The demonstrations not only showed how drones can ease farmers’ work but also emphasized the importance of training young people in agricultural drone technology at the University of Eldoret.
The 18th Agribusiness Trade Fair not only strengthened the University of Eldoret’s legacy as a hub of agricultural knowledge and innovation but also underscored the transformative role of partnerships like TAGDev 2.0. By fusing climate-smart innovations with entrepreneurial mindsets, the fair demonstrated that agriculture can indeed spur industrialization while delivering sustainable development.
As participants departed with new networks, technologies, and inspiration, one fact was clear: the future of agribusiness lies in the hands of innovative youth, empowered farmers, and resilient partnerships committed to reimagining Africa’s food systems.
