EAGC – Kibabii Agribusiness Expo showcased climate-smart technologies to boost farmer productivity and market access for sustainable food systems

Bungoma, Kenya - 27th November 2025 - The Eastern Africa Grain Council (EAGC), in partnership with Kibabii University, hosted the Kibabii Agribusiness Expo on 27th November 2025 at the university grounds in Bungoma County. The event brought together over 1,500 farmers and over 50 agribusiness exhibitors from across the region, including input suppliers, agrochemical companies, agri-machinery and digital technology providers, financial institutions, post-harvest management experts, research and regulatory agencies, and agribusiness consultants.

The Expo, themed "Climate-Smart Technologies and Practices for Sustainable Food Systems," provided a platform for farmers to connect with innovations, services, and structured market opportunities that enhance productivity, reduce post-harvest losses, and strengthen regional grain trade. With climate variability, rising costs, and market volatility affecting farmers daily, the Expo offers a timely opportunity for practical learning, technology adoption, and value-chain collaboration.

The EAGC-Kibabii University partnership, anchored in a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), strengthens research, innovation, youth capacity building, and community outreach. Kibabii University brings applied research, demonstration capacity, and training platforms, while EAGC contributes structured trade systems, policy advocacy, capacity building through the Grain Business Institute (GBI), and real-time market intelligence via RATIN. "Through our ongoing MoU with Kibabii University, we are strengthening links between industry, research, and academia while promoting youth apprenticeship programs. Our members provide structured internship opportunities for university students, giving them hands-on experience and practical skills to thrive in agribusiness," said Gerald Masila, EAGC Executive Director.

The Expo also highlighted upcoming initiatives under the MoU. These include FAO's FOLUR Program in the Mt. Elgon region, which will transform maize and wheat production through Integrated Landscape Management, restore landscapes, reduce deforestation, and strengthen policies and investments for sustainable and inclusive food systems. Another focus is contract farming, linking farmers, input suppliers, and offtakers through financing and clear agreements for more predictable production. Kibabii University will serve as a training hub, equipping youth, farmers, and agribusiness actors with the skills to implement these models successfully.

In addition, under a tripartite MoU between EAGC, Kibabii University, and Customized Aviation Services Ltd (CASL), the partnership will provide specialized training in drone technology, with applications in agriculture, forestry, land surveying, and precision farming. Kibabii University will serve as the training site, with the program regulated by KCAA, where students will gain hands-on experience and develop skills to become certified drone pilots. This initiative enhances practical learning, builds technical capacity among students, and promotes modern, technology-driven approaches to agriculture and land management.

Speaking on behalf of Prof. Isaac Odeo, Vice-Chancellor of Kibabii University, Prof. Donald Siamba, DVC Administration, Finance and Development, said:
"This collaboration brings together the University's research expertise, demonstration platforms, and skilled human capital with EAGC's experience in structured trade, market access, and policy advocacy. We are linking not only farmers but also students to practical learning, innovative technologies, and market opportunities. It equips them with skills to start or grow agribusiness ventures, ensuring education directly translates into empowerment, income, and contributions to Kenya's agricultural growth."

Bungoma County and the wider Western and North Rift region are major contributors to Kenya's grain production, with fertile soils, favourable climates, and active farmer networks. Dr. Andrew Musungu, the Chief Officer for Livestock, Veterinary Services & Fisheries, Bungoma County, speaking on behalf of H.E. Hon. Kenneth Lusaka, Governor of Bungoma County, urged stakeholders to take full advantage of the Expo, learn from innovations on display, and build partnerships that boost productivity and market access. He said: "Bungoma is one of Kenya's leading grain-producing counties, and this Expo provides farmers with access to climate-smart technologies, improved seed varieties, and structured market opportunities that will increase productivity, reduce post-harvest losses, and strengthen household incomes."

The Expo further drew strength from EAGC's long-standing partnerships with the Danish Industry (DI), TradeMark Africa (TMA), and FAO, who have all contributed to making this event a success. DI has supported farmers and SMEs to improve production and access markets, TMA has advanced regional grain and pulse trade and strengthened the policy environment, and FAO has supported integrated farmer services and market linkages. Gerald Masila, EAGC Executive Director, said: "These enduring partnerships have helped shape this Expo into more than a showcase; they create real opportunities for farmers, SMEs, and agribusiness actors to learn, connect, and grow their businesses, and for this, we are grateful. "

The Expo showcased a wide range of innovations and practical solutions for farmers and agribusiness actors. Highlights included crop demonstrations, post-harvest technologies, value-addition innovations, agri-machinery displays, livestock technologies, and interactive B2B forums where service providers and farmers connected directly. Exhibitors presented solutions ranging from climate-smart seeds and precision agriculture tools to digital platforms for input supply, aggregation, and structured grain marketing.

The B2B marketplace generated tangible business outcomes for participants, with 16,675 Hermetic bags transacted, totaling Ksh 3,335,000, and 45 metric tons of maize traded, totaling Ksh 1,750,000. These results highlight how the Expo served not only as a learning and demonstration platform but also as a direct avenue for business growth, market linkages, and practical engagement for farmers and agribusinesses.