KFS Stand Wins Awards At The South Eastern ASK Show In Machakos

The Vice President, Hon. Kalonzo Musyoka, MP accompanied by the ASK National Chairman Mrs. Alice Kalya listens to a presentation by the KFS Assistant Zonal Manager Machakos, Mr. Charles Ochieng during a visit to the KFS Stand during the South Eastern ASK show. 

(Above & Below) KFS Machakos staff proudly display the awards won during the ASK South Eastern Show held in Machakos Town from 30^th June to 3^rd July 2010

The just concluded South Eastern ASK Show that was held in Machakos Town from 30^th June to 3^rd July 2010 saw KFS stand scoop the first position in the best Large Trade Stand category and third position in the best Agro Based Statutory Board Category. This success was attributed to the professional displays that clearly portrayed the activities undertaken by KFS as detailed in the ASK Show theme ‘Driving Agri Business in attaining food sufficiency and Vision 2030.’ The South Eastern ASK Show represented the larger Eastern Province region namely Makueni, Kitui, Machakos and Mwingi Districts.

On Friday 2^nd July 2010, the KFS stand was visited by Kenya’s Vice President Hon. Kalonzo Musyoka, MP, who got to observe the various tree species available for the Arid and Semi Arid Lands (ASAL). He spoke to the staff and encouraged them to keep up the good work of conserving forests. During the three day event, hundreds of show goers visited the KFS stand, where they got to interact with the exhibitors and ask questions regarding various tree species and other matters affecting their tree crops. Many visitors were keen to learn about the Eucalyptus tree species, which had raised considerable controversy in the recent past due to its consumption of large quantities of water.  Students, who formed the largest group of show goers, were particularly interested in the KFS video documentaries which were playing at the stand.

The stand consisted of a display of water catchment techniques used in ASAL regions such as those in the South Eastern region, namely the W water catchment and the circular water catchment system. There was a display of plantation forestry, agro forestry and ecotourism. Entrepreneurs who benefit from forest products were also invited to exhibit wood carvings, herbal medicine and furniture. The ASK show provides a platform for KFS to meet and exchange information to various publics, and provide advice on forestry issues. 

Report & Pictures By Anne Kaari