For over two decades, the Naivasha Horticultural Fair has been the Crème de la Crème of Kenya’s horticultural industry. This annual event is not just a fair; it’s a celebration of innovation, growth, and community within the horticultural sector.
To provide more insight into the event, we share an interview with Mr. Richard McGonnell, the chairman of the Naivasha Horticultural Fair, discussing its significance and what attendees can expect.
What is your assessment of the horticulture industry in general? Is the country doing better?
The sector has seriously evolved over the last twenty years. Currently, growers are dealing with a global sector. The biggest challenge right now is the high cost of investment due to climate change introducing new pests (e.g., FCM), market regulations requiring serious interventions, and our own internal regulations at both the county and national government levels.
This has severely impacted businesses, with some farms counting losses and others struggling due to increased costs.In addition, the cost of land has become a prohibitive factor for new investors coming on board. It is time the government began leasing out land similar to the way it is done in Ethiopia; otherwise, there will be few foreign investors coming in.
Besides, electricity cost is also far too high, not to mention transport (both road and airfreight). Salaries are also climbing too quickly, with workers expecting a pay rise every now and then, yet the environment for doing business remains the same.
Is flower growing a preserve of big growers who can access the export market?
This was the case a few years go. But slowly we are seeing small-scale farmers, especially for summer flowers, coming in. Some are being sub-contracted by big established farms, while others are enjoying consolidation. This is giving room for small-scale growers to increase.
Let us now shift gears to the Naivasha Horticultural Fair (NH Fair). Give us a brief background and what does it involve?
NH Fair started some 22 years ago with 30-40 stands. Currently, it is one of the largest trade fairs in Africa and has consistently grown over the years. This year’s event is the 21st edition Over the years, it has seen consistent growth and draws attendees from across the continent, the Middle East, Asia, America, and Europe.
We are expecting around 250 exhibitors and roughly 12,000 visitors. This will make it the biggest horticultural fair in Africa. Exhibition stands have also grown to showcase a wide range of products and services from various stakeholders in the horticultural industry, primarily the flower industry but also general agriculture and supporting sectors such as motor vehicle manufacturers, accessories, and financial institutions.
The 21st edition is christened the Co-op Bank Naivasha Horticultural Fair, aligning with our main sponsor, the Co-operative Bank, one of the leading banks in the country. We have also drawn sponsorship from major companies namely Elgon Kenya Ltd, Amiran Kenya Ltd, Agrichem Africa Ltd, Greenlife Africa Ltd, Osho Chemicals Industries Ltd, and Naivasha Sports Club.
NH Fair is purely a charitable event and all the profit goes to local charities, among them The Safe House (a rescue shelter for abused children), Nacohag (a community-based health centre in Karagita), Red Cross, Nyamathi Adopt a Village (with the Naivasha Rotary Club), a secondary school, water for around 20,000 people, and a health facility handling both clinical and maternity services. We have also built a Children’s Protection Unit (CPU) and are currently looking at building more classrooms at the Nyamathi Secondary School, among other projects.
How does the Naivasha Horticultural Fair benefit exhibitors and attendees?
The Naivasha Horticultural Fair offers numerous benefits for both exhibitors and attendees. It provides a platform to find new clients and business prospects, network with colleagues in the field, shop for cutting-edge goods and services, and gain invaluable market insights.
Exhibitors can showcase their company at the largest business expo in Kenya, where attendees have the opportunity to get to know their business better. Additionally, the fair helps identify beneficial contacts, form partnerships, and discover how business support organizations can assist.
Attendees also get to share the grounds with a diverse range of exhibitors, from startups to major corporates, enriching their experience and fostering valuable connections.
What advice would you give to anyone keen on venturing into flower farming, with regards to how the flower value chain works?
Attend the Naivasha Horticultural Fair where you will meet and talk to the experts. They also should do their homework properly and diligently. If possible, hire a consultant or someone who has knowledge of the industry to help you design a well-functioning plan to run the farm sustainably.
Have you ever received any feedback from previous attendees?
We have received numerous feedbacks, but to sample just a few:
Sally J: “It is the best trade fair in Africa where companies showcase their products.”
Ngure G: “A great chance for agriculture experts to educate the public, students to gain priceless skills and competence, and citizens to benefit from ideas for utilizing wastelands including investment solutions.”
Jimmy N: “We are grateful and appreciate your willingness to do charitable work that you do. You’re getting better every year giving back to society, helping the needy by feeding, clothing, and sheltering. Thank you for the great job. Congratulations and best wishes for your continual success. See you around.”