President William Ruto yesterday officially opened the Nairobi International Trade Fair at Jamhuri Grounds, Nairobi, with the highlight of the day being the competitive livestock auction.

Champion bulls and goats were paraded before eager bidders, with President Ruto and Alfaraz Meat emerging as the top buyers. The President secured the supreme champion Boran bull, weighing 720 kilogrammes, for Sh700,000, while Alfaraz outbid others to purchase another Boran bull, weighing 660 kilogrammes, for Sh750,000.

Agriculture and Livestock Development CS Mutahi Kagwe also took part, buying a reserve champion crossbreed bull (630kg) for Sh600,000, as Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja acquired the reserve supreme champion crossbreed (655kg) at Sh500,000.

While the show dazzled with impressive livestock displays, several long-time exhibitors — including JKUAT, the National Irrigation Authority, the University of Nairobi, and New KCC — were notably absent this year. These institutions have historically showcased pioneering agricultural innovations.

Nonetheless, other major players such as the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO) and Simlaw Seeds stepped in to showcase climate-smart crop varieties, including sorghum and tomatoes suitable for both greenhouse and open-field farming.

Running from September 29 to October 5, 2025, this year’s fair is themed “Promoting Climate-Smart Agriculture and Trade Initiatives for Sustainable Economic Growth.” The exhibition has attracted over 250 exhibitors, spanning agri-tech firms, SMEs, farms, corporate organisations, higher learning institutions, and delegations from countries such as China, India, Ghana, Tanzania, South Africa, and Nigeria.

Tickets are priced at Sh300 for adults and Sh250 for children, offering Kenyans access to one of the region’s largest agricultural showcases — a unique blend of tradition, innovation, and opportunities for youth-led enterprises.