The CFC Stanbic Bank Naivasha Horticultural Fair will be 13 years old this year. Starting from humble beginnings in 2002, the Naivasha Horticultural Fair has grown to be one of the biggest Horticultural Shows in Africa. From an initially purely horticultural perspective the NHFAIR is branching out into the whole agricultural sector. Every year the number of stands and the number of visitors increases, from 60 stands in 2002 to over 200 stands in 2015.
The relaxed atmosphere and spacious venue attracts the crème de la crème of the agricultural sector. Many exhibitors take the opportunity to launch new products and innovations at the NHFAIR, so as a visitor you have a one-stop venue that gets you in contact with all your suppliers, and you are also kept informed on all the new market trends – very important in a fast evolving business. Decision makers from both sides of the industry attend, and a lot of business is concluded. There is ample parking, loads of space, a great food hall and a children’s entertainment area. So not only can visitors catch up on business, they can combine it with a family day out. The NHFAIR is run by a small organising committee that operates on an entirely voluntary basis. The Exhibitors and visitors are proud to know that 100% of their donations go to good causes. Every year more and more funds are raised for charity and are dispersed through the NHFAIR Trust. The NHFAIR partners with other donors in order to increase the effective value of donations and to raise the
awareness of its projects.
Long term donor partners include The Naivasha Rotary and NTM. The NHFAIR Trust concentrates on poverty alleviation and improving the lives of woman and children according to their motto ‘Building better lives’. NHFAIR supports the following major Charities;- Naivasha Safe House (abused women and children), the Naivasha Children’s Shelter (giving kids a chance), NACOHAG (HIV and AIDS and family health), Karagita Maternity Hospital and the Naivasha General Hospital Maternity Wing (reduction of maternal and infant mortality during childbirth), United Disabled Persons of Naivasha, KSPCA, and Rotary.
NHFAIR has funded emergency life saving services through the Aga Khan Trust, sponsored educational support and continue to supply desks, chairs, water tanks, trees, and sanitation blocks to many schools. Over the years millions of shillings have been raised and wisely spent, making a massive difference to people’s lives. Most Charities will be represented at the NHFAIR so visitors and exhibitors can see exactly where their money goes, and how much it helps.
In 2011 the NHFAIR launched its most ambitious project yet ADOPT A VILLAGE. The NHFAIR has undertaken to sponsor a whole village, including schools, a clinic, a borehole, power.
What makes the NHFAIR such a success? People and Support: the tremendous support and professionalism of its sponsors, exhibitors and visitors makes it the success it is today.
Location is important. The NHFAIR has always been based in the grounds of Naivasha Sports Club, with beautiful surroundings and plenty of space. Naivasha is a major horticultural zone, and host to many of the Rose Breeders Showcases and farms, it is close to Nairobi and the International Airport, and there are lots of great places to stay and wonderful things to do there.
Naivasha Horticultural Fair Support HIV-AIDS Campaign.
NH Faiar supports a thriving local Nongovernmental organization that is committed to serve the NAIVASHA and especially KARAGITA area so that the community access affordable and quality health care services.
The fair has donated benches for the waiting bay and constructed a fume chamber for the LAB enabling NACOHAG screen TB cases. They have also funded the purchasing of a centrifuge for the LAB, a HB machine, an AUTOCLAVE for sterilization, a set for IUCD insertions (family planning)
In addition to the purchases, they supported the clinic by paying 6 months’ rent in 2009 when the clinic started and supported the clinic to put up a sign post. They also supported a clinical officer to attend ophthalmology (eye care training) at St. Mary’s hospital for six months.
Through this support the clinic has grown from strength to strength and is able to offer quality services to the beneficiary community. As a result of the partnership with NHFAIR they have been accredited by NHIF and are able to serve an even larger population.
“The NGO is very grateful for the commendable work that NHFAIR continues to do in the community and for the fact that unlike other donors; NHFAIR supports grass root. organizations who would otherwise find it difficult to operate.
Though not entirely, NH Fair has enabled NACOHAG work amongst the populations in and around the town as well as in the various farms engaged in the production of flowers.
Generosity
The generousity of a myriad of people and organisations mean that operating costs are kept low. Many give up their time to make sure that NHFAIR runs smoothly