By BOSCO MAGARE
The 2026 Agricultural Society of Kenya (A.S.K) Kisumu National Show recorded a more than 40 per cent increase in business exhibitors, signalling growing interest in Kisumu City as a gateway to Western Kenya and an emerging trade hub for the East African region.
The increase was highlighted in the 2026 A.S.K Kisumu National Show report, which shows that 120 business firms and corporate organisations participated in this year’s exhibition at the Mamboleo Showground on the outskirts of Kisumu City.
The Chatthe Group of Companies emerged as the overall winner in the Agro-Processing stand category during its maiden participation in the annual exhibition.
The group, led by chairman Sukhwinder Singh Chatthe, popularly known as Raju, and managing director Raghbir Singh Chatthe, alias Bhire, comprises Kibos Sugar & Allied Industries Limited (KSAIL), Kibos Distillers Limited (KDL), Mombasa Sugar Refinery Limited (MSR), Kibos Paper & Packaging Limited (KPPL), Kibos Fertilizer Limited (KFL) and Chemelil Sugar Company 2025 Limited (CSC2025).
CSC2025 is headed by managing director Jaspreet Singh Chatthe, alias Jassi.
The Chatthe Group acquired Chemelil Sugar Company from the Government on a 30-year lease in 2025. Other State-owned sugar companies leased for a similar period include South Nyanza Sugar Company (SonySugar), Muhoroni Sugar and Nzoia Sugar Company.
Speaking to TRBN, A.S.K Kisumu National Show branch manager Thaddeus Fita said the number of business entities and corporate organisations participating in the exhibition had risen significantly.
“This year the branch has registered more than 40 per cent of business entities and corporate organisations as exhibitors. Most of these business firms and corporates are keen on using A.S.K Kisumu National Show to establish a foothold and presence within Kisumu City, which is increasingly becoming a trade hub for Western Kenya and the East Africa region,” Fita said.
He said the 120 exhibitors represented a 41.8 per cent increase from the 84 business firms and corporate organisations that participated in last year’s show.
“The participation of 120 business firms and corporate organisations at A.S.K Kisumu National Show this year is an increase of over 40 per cent, in fact precisely 41.8 per cent more, compared to last year’s 84 total number of exhibitors,” Fita said.
The report further shows that the number of large business entities and corporates competing in various trade categories increased by 20 per cent, from 60 firms last year to 72 this year.
The 2026 show was held under the theme, “Promoting Climate Smart Agriculture and Trade Initiatives for Sustainable Growth.”
The Chatthe Group won the overall Agro-Processing business stand award, followed by Sony Sugar Company 2025 Limited in second position and the National Irrigation Authority (NIA) in third.
The Chatthe Group also emerged second in the Best Sugar Industry Stand category, behind Sony Sugar, while the Kenya Sugar Board (KSB) took third position.
However, Jassi said he was not satisfied with the second-place finish and planned to conduct a post-mortem to identify areas that needed improvement ahead of next year’s exhibition.
He said the objective would be to ensure the company clinches the top position in the Best Sugar Industry Stand category during the 2027 A.S.K Kisumu National Show.
Elsewhere, the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) won the Best Stand Demonstrating the Application of Environmental Quality award, with Chatthe Group finishing second.
Uzima University won the Best Display and Services in the Health Sector and Pharmaceutical Stand category, while Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) emerged the winner in the Best Bank Stand.
In the Local Manufacturing Sector (Consumables) category, Sony Sugar Company 2025 Limited emerged the overall winner, followed by Chatthe Group.
The National Youth Service won the Best Stand in Hospitality and Catering Services, while Kenya Seed Company finished second in the Best Large Trade Stand (Commercial and Industrial) category, behind KPA.
The show also attracted stiff competition in the Best Stand that Best Interprets the Current Show Theme in the financial sector category, where Mombasa-based Bandari Sacco emerged the winner.
Stima Sacco finished second, KCB third and Britam Holdings fourth.
Other categories that attracted competition included Best Medium Trade Stand (Commercial and Industrial), Best Small Trade Stand (Commercial and Industrial), Best Local Stand in Strategies of International Trade and Export, Best County Department Stand, Best Bank Stand, Best Stand in Property and Real Estate, Best Agricultural-Based Statutory Board Stand and Best Stand in Water and Waste Management Services.
The increase in business participation was matched by a rise in attendance, with the show attracting a record 48,000 visitors compared with 36,000 recorded during the 2025 exhibition.
A.S.K Kisumu branch chairperson Rose Omondi said the annual exhibition had become an important platform for businesses and corporate organisations seeking to establish themselves in Kisumu and the wider Great Lakes and East African markets.
She said Kisumu’s strategic location continued to make it an attractive destination for businesses seeking to expand their operations and customer base.
“Businesses and corporates are scrambling for the unfolding business opportunities that Kisumu City, due to its unique position within the Great Lakes Region and the East African Community, is offering,” Omondi said.
She added that the show enabled businesses to network, expand their customer base and learn about new innovations and research findings showcased by participating organisations.
Omondi said the exhibition also provided an opportunity for businesses to market their products and services to consumers across Western Kenya and the wider East African market.
Beyond business, she said the show offered young people access to education and information on agriculture and agribusiness, while financial institutions such as banks and savings and credit cooperative societies benefited from opportunities to expand their clientele.
The exhibition also provided entertainment for visitors across different age groups, including young people, middle-aged adults, senior citizens and families.
“With a record number of 48,000 showgoers, the exhibition this year is undoubtedly a big success,” Omondi said.
