The Transforming African Agricultural Universities to Meaningfully Contribute to Africa’s Growth and Development (TAGDev 2.0) Programme at the University of Eldoret, under the Outreach Centre, successfully participated in the Eldoret Agricultural Society of Kenya (ASK) Show, reaffirming its commitment to promoting climate-smart agriculture and trade initiatives for sustainable economic growth.
The exhibition provided an important platform for showcasing student and youth-led enterprises incubated under the TAGDev 2.0 Programme, demonstrating how agribusiness innovation can address socio-economic challenges while advancing community transformation and sustainable livelihoods.
During the six-day exhibition, TAGDev 2.0 featured three outstanding incubatees whose enterprises reflect innovation, sustainability, and entrepreneurship in agriculture.
Mzuri Organics showcased organic fertilizer and sustainable agricultural products that promote healthy living while supporting environmentally friendly farming practices. The enterprise highlighted the growing importance of organic solutions in enhancing soil health and food safety. Kerry Phinias and Ceo Allan Ligare of Mzuri Organics, engaged visitors through product demonstrations and discussions on sustainable farming approaches.
Honeyzest, led by CEO Ruth Jepchirchir, presented value-added honey products aimed at strengthening opportunities within the apiculture value chain. The products demonstrated how value addition can increase income potential for beekeepers while promoting natural and nutritious food alternatives.
Saliamo Agri-ventures, headed by CEO Lilian Chepkuto, exhibited innovative agribusiness solutions focused on improving agricultural productivity of leafy vegetables and addressing post-harvest waste management challenges. The enterprise emphasized practical solutions that reduce losses while enhancing food sustainability.
The exhibitors interacted with a wide range of visitors, including the Uasin Gishu County Governor, Hon. Jonathan Bii Chelilim, through demonstrations, product explanations, and discussions on agribusiness opportunities. The entrepreneurs also shared insights on the Business Development Support provided under TAGDev 2.0, which helps incubatees overcome growth challenges and strengthen enterprise development.
Participation in the ASK Show was guided by several key objectives providing market exposure for TAGDev 2.0 incubatees, promoting youth-led agribusiness innovations, strengthening linkages between academia, industry, and the community, enhancing visibility of the University of Eldoret’s entrepreneurship and incubation initiatives, encouraging adoption of sustainable agricultural practices
The six-day exhibition attracted a diverse audience comprising farmers, students, researchers, industry stakeholders, and members of the public. Visitors to the University of Eldoret stand interacted directly with young entrepreneurs, explored value-added agricultural products, and learned about innovative agribusiness models supported through TAGDev 2.0.
These engagements highlighted the critical role of youth participation in agricultural transformation and demonstrated how innovation driven enterprises can contribute to improved livelihoods and sustainable community development.
The participation yielded significant outcomes, including increased visibility of TAGDev 2.0 and its incubation programme, expanded market networking opportunities for incubatees, who recorded product sales and secured potential customer contacts, enhanced community awareness of youth-driven agribusiness solutions such as organic fertilizers, dried vegetables, and value-added honey products and promotion of entrepreneurship as a viable pathway for employment creation of dignified and fulfilling jobs and economic empowerment.
Through programmes such as TAGDev 2.0, the University of Eldoret continues to position itself as a hub for innovation and youth empowerment, nurturing the next generation of agripreneurs who are shaping Africa’s agricultural future.
