The annual Kitui County Agricultural Show and Trade Fair has been postponed to February next year due to ongoing renovation works at the Ithookwe showground. The venue, traditionally used for the event, is currently undergoing a major facelift as it is being transformed into a world-class stadium.
The agricultural show, initially scheduled for July 2025, will now take place in February 2026 at the newly refurbished Ithookwe Stadium. County officials have indicated that the decision was made after considering the scale of the renovations, which have rendered the showground temporarily unsuitable for hosting large public events.
Going forward, the Kitui Agricultural Show will be held every February at the upgraded stadium, allowing better planning and use of the improved facilities. The refurbished stadium is also expected to host this year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations, marking its first major public function.
The county agriculture department stated that organizing the agricultural show during the ongoing construction would be impractical. With the national government leading the renovation works, local officials determined that it was best to allow the project to proceed without disruption.
Efforts were made to find an alternative location for this year’s show, but no suitable venue was identified. The event requires a venue with adequate security, controlled access, perimeter fencing, sanitation amenities, demonstration farms, and livestock facilities features that could not be found in other available sites.
Officials acknowledged that the decision to postpone was not made lightly, as the agricultural show is a highly anticipated event by farmers, traders, and exhibitors across the county and beyond. However, the need to support the completion of the stadium project and ensure the safety and quality of the event outweighed the drawbacks of rescheduling.
Residents and stakeholders were reassured that the event has not been cancelled but merely rescheduled to allow for a better and more secure hosting environment. The upgraded venue is expected to significantly enhance future editions of the agricultural show, providing modern amenities and attracting more participants and visitors.
The county administration emphasized that the postponement reflects a commitment to delivering a high-quality event in a facility that meets modern standards. Once complete, the Ithookwe Stadium will serve as a multi-purpose venue, elevating not just the agricultural show but also sports and other large public gatherings in Kitui County.
With the new timeline in place, organizers will have ample opportunity to plan an even more impactful event, highlighting innovations in agriculture, livestock, and trade, while showcasing the county’s progress in infrastructure development.
