Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa has thrown his weight behind the upcoming 2026 Western Region Agricultural Show, hosting a delegation from the Agricultural Society of Kenya at his farm in Harambee, Matungu Sub-county, to finalise preparations for what promises to be one of the region’s most significant agricultural gatherings of the year. The four-day event is scheduled to run from June 10 to 13, 2026, at the ASK Moi Showground in Kakamega.
Governor Barasa, who also serves as patron of the Western Region ASK Show, used the occasion to reaffirm his administration’s commitment to agriculture as the cornerstone of Kakamega’s economy. The meeting brought together Agricultural Society of Kenya (ASK) officials and county leadership to align on logistics and expectations ahead of the annual exhibition.
More Than an Exhibition
For the governor, the ASK Show represents something beyond the usual display of farm produce and livestock. He described it as a practical learning environment where ideas that actually change lives get exchanged across sectors.
“The ASK Show is not just an exhibition, but a practical learning space where farmers, researchers, agribusiness players and development partners exchange ideas that directly improve livelihoods,” he said during the meeting.
That framing reflects a broader shift in how agricultural shows are being positioned across Kenya. Rather than passive showcases, they are increasingly being used as active platforms for connecting smallholder farmers with modern technologies, market access opportunities, and innovations in production and value addition. For a county like Kakamega, where agriculture supports the majority of households, that distinction carries real weight.
What Kakamega County Is Doing on the Ground
Governor Barasa outlined several ongoing programmes through which the county government is working to boost agricultural productivity, strengthen food security, and support farmers in adding value to their produce before it reaches the market. These efforts, he said, are aligned with the county’s broader economic development agenda, one in which agriculture is not treated as a legacy sector but as a growth driver worthy of serious investment.
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The governor’s decision to host the ASK delegation at his own farm rather than a formal government office sent a clear signal about his personal investment in the sector. It also gave ASK officials a firsthand look at farming practices at the leadership level, reinforcing the message that agriculture in Western Kenya is being taken seriously from the top down.
What to Expect at the 2026 Show
This year’s edition of the Western Region ASK Show is shaping up to attract a broad and diverse range of participants. Farmers, researchers, agribusiness stakeholders, and development partners are all expected to attend, with exhibitors showcasing innovations aimed at improving productivity and addressing food security challenges facing the region.
The ASK delegation expressed appreciation for Kakamega County’s continued support, noting that partnerships with devolved governments have significantly strengthened the reach and impact of agricultural shows in promoting best practices among farming communities. When county governments actively back these events, participation tends to be higher and the knowledge transfer more meaningful.
Governor Barasa extended a public invitation to farmers, exhibitors, business communities, and residents from across Western Kenya to attend the four-day event, describing it as a rare opportunity for knowledge sharing and networking that the agricultural sector in the region should not miss.
Agriculture at the Heart of Western Kenya’s Economy
Kakamega County sits within one of Kenya’s most agriculturally productive regions. The area supports a wide range of farming activities, from sugarcane and tea to horticulture and dairy, making events like the ASK Show particularly relevant for the local economy. Access to new farming technologies, improved seed varieties, and direct connections with agribusiness buyers can translate into tangible income gains for farmers who attend.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development has consistently highlighted Western Kenya as a key region in the country’s food production map, and county-level initiatives that complement national agricultural programmes tend to have outsized impact in communities where farming is not just a livelihood but a way of life.
With preparations now in their final stages and the county’s top leadership personally invested in the outcome, the 2026 Western Region ASK Show is positioned to be a genuinely productive few days for everyone who attends.