Kitui trade fair roars back after stalling for six years

Reviving the Kitui show and trade fair that had stalled for over six years was a herculean task, Deputy Governor Augustine Kanani said on Thursday.

“We had serious issues of starting from ground zero after our show stalled for long six years. The good thing is that we pulled all stops and with the stewardship of Governor Julius Malombe we have made it at last” he said.

Kanani spoke when he presided over the first day of the three-day agricultural show and trade fair extravaganza that opened its gates at Ithookwe show ground in the outskirts of Kitui town.

“Let me tell you it was not an easy task. In fact, two days ago we were still struggling with doubts creeping in whether this event would be held. But I want to tell you it has come out big,” he told the show goers.

The deputy governor had earlier led guests and top county officials in visiting numerous exhibition stands at Ithookwe show grounds. They were conducted around by the CEC for Agriculture Stephen Kimwele.

“I am impressed by the quality of exhibition despite the problems we encountered in reviving the Kitui show. This annual event is destined to being a great point of reference in future,” said Kanani.

He took the opportunity to invite more show goers in the remaining two days of the show. 

In mid-May the CEC Kimwele told the press that the county government had projected to spend Sh23 million to revive Kitui agricultural show and trade fair.

He said then that the revival of the show required that amount due to the state of ruin and disuse of the structures at Ithookwe show ground that needed rehabilitating and refurbishing.

Kimwele said most of the funds would go into putting the structures and facilities at the showgrounds to good working condition. He said vandalism would cost millions in rehabilitation.

He decried the wanton degradation and vandalism of facilities at the Kitui show ground.