My Experience at the 2025 Naivasha HortiFair: A Personal Journey Toward Sustainable Farming

 A Fresh Morning at Naivasha: Where Ideas Bloom

When I stepped into the Naivasha Sports Club grounds on that bright 20^th September morning, I could already sense that the 2025 Naivasha Horticultural Fair (HortiFair) would be different this year. The air was thick with energy ; rows of exhibitors setting up displays, farmers comparing notes under white tents, and the sound of soft chatter mixed with the hum of innovation.

Farmers and exhibitors meet at the Naivasha HortiFair 2025 to explore green technologies,
 biocontrols, and eco-friendly farming practices

For me, this was not just another agricultural fair. It was a mirror reflecting how far Kenya’s horticultural sector has come and how much potential lies ahead in sustainable farming.

As someone who works with Tambuzi Ltd and has also been involved in operations at Mount Kenya Alstroemeria Ltd, attending HortiFair 2025 was more than professional ,it was personal. I wanted to see how the ideas and innovations being showcased could strengthen my daily work on the ground, especially as we balance production efficiency, worker welfare, and environmental stewardship.

Evening view of the iconic “I Love Naivasha” sign near Naivasha Sports Club — a warm welcome to the 2025 HortiFair, where sustainability and innovation met under the Kenyan sky.

 

The Spirit of HortiFair 2025

For those who may not have been there, the 2025 Naivasha Horticultural Fair — also known as the Co-operative Bank Naivasha HortiFair — is one of Africa’s biggest and most vibrant agriculture and horticulture trade fairs. This year’s event took place on 19th–20th September 2025 at the Naivasha Sports Club, drawing hundreds of local and international exhibitors.

The welcoming banner at the 2025 Naivasha Horticultural Fair, sponsored by Osho Chemicals, greets farmers, exhibitors, and innovators committed to advancing sustainable agriculture in Kenya

The fair brings together an incredible mix of people from growers, exporters, agro-input suppliers, researchers, policymakers, small-holder farmers, and global stakeholders — all united by one goal: shaping the future of horticulture.

The theme for 2025, “Nurturing Innovation for Sustainable Growth,” set a clear tone from the start. It was not about increasing yields or showcasing innovative technology; it was about doing so responsibly in ways that respect the environment, worker safety, local communities, and the long-term health of our ecosystems.

Walking through the fair felt like stepping into the future of agriculture.
Everywhere you turned, there was innovation rooted in sustainability:

• Solar-powered irrigation systems humming quietly under the Naivasha sun,
• Displays of organic inputs and compost teas promising healthier soils,
• Biocontrol solutions are taking the place of harsh synthetic pesticides,
• Tech companies introducing digital tools for farm data management and traceability,
• And organizations highlighting worker welfare and community projects, reminding us that sustainability begins with people.

Every booth, every conversation echoed one message loud and clear:

“Farming has to evolve.”

The 2025 HortiFair was not just an exhibition, it was a living classroom, a space where Kenya’s agricultural heart met its sustainable future.

 

First Impressions: Where Sustainability Was in Focus

As I wandered the exhibits, attended workshops, and spoke with fellow farmers and exhibitors, several threads of sustainable farming kept recurring. These are the ones that struck me most:

 

Bio controls, Compost, and the New Language of Farming

One of my first stops was at the IBMA Kenya stand, where experts passionately discussed biocontrol — using beneficial insects, fungi, and bacteria to manage pests and diseases.

This idea is not new, but what stood out this year was how practical and accessible these solutions have become. Kenyan farmers are slowly moving away from heavy chemical reliance toward integrated pest management systems that combine biologicals, resistant varieties, and cultural practices.

As a production manager, I found it reassuring. At Tambuzi, we have been exploring more sustainable pest control options, especially in flower production, where pesticide residue standards are strict. The biocontrol discussions at the fair gave me real examples of what is working across Kenya — and confidence that sustainability is not an abstract concept; it is something we can implement today.

Nearby, I found several stands displaying organic fertilizers, compost blends, and soil health solutions. I picked up a handful of dark, rich compost from one exhibitor and thought about the difference between living and lifeless soil. You could feel the vitality — a reminder that sustainability begins from the ground up.

 

Worker Safety: Sustainability Starts with People

Another highlight for me was visiting the KEMA (EA) Ltd booth. They were not displaying fertilizers or seedlings, but personal protective equipment (PPE)gloves, boots, goggles, and respirators. It might sound simple, but it struck a deep chord.

Too often, sustainability conversations focus only on crops and inputs, but not on the hands that grow them. At Tambuzi and Mount Kenya Alstroemeria, we have seen how critical worker safety is to long-term sustainability. Providing proper gear, regular training, and a culture of safety is not just a compliance checkbox—it is a moral obligation and a productivity booster.

Seeing an entire section of the HortiFair dedicated to this topic gave me hope. Sustainability has truly grown to include people.

 

Green Technologies: Smarter Water and Energy Use

This year’s fair also showed a spotlight on technology for resource efficiency. From solar-powered pumps to smart drip systems and automated fertigation units, the innovations were impressive.

One exhibitor demonstrated a moisture-sensor-based irrigation system that automatically adjusts water flow depending on soil moisture levels. Another showcased solar-powered cold storage units — perfect for smallholder farmers struggling with post-harvest losses.

In our farms, we have been working toward reducing our water footprint through precise irrigation and the reuse of wastewater. Seeing how other farms are embracing tech made me realize that sustainability and technology are no longer separate paths—they are intertwined.

It is not about replacing human labor with machines; it is about using technology to support better decisions and reduce waste. And that is the kind of innovation we need if we are going to protect our natural resources for generations to come.

 

Finance, Partnerships, and the Business of Sustainability

A few years ago, “sustainable farming” was often treated as a noble idea but an expensive one. At HortiFair 2025, the financial conversation was refreshingly practical.

The Co-operative Bank of Kenya, a key event sponsor, shared programs designed to help small and medium-sized farms access affordable credit. Their representatives spoke about green financing, where loans are tailored for projects that improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact.

I realized that for sustainability to stick, it must make business sense. A farm cannot protect the planet if it cannot pay its workers. Having banks, insurers, and policy stakeholders join the conversation signals a maturing agricultural ecosystem — one that recognizes that profitability and responsibility can co-exist.

 

Community and Environmental Responsibility

Beyond the commercial exhibits, there was a strong community focus. The organizers proudly highlighted that proceeds from the fair go into local projects — schools, health centers, and environmental clean-ups.

This community link resonated deeply with me; I have always believed that a farm should give back to the community it belongs to. Our partnership with local groups, schools, and environmental programs around Nanyuki echoes this philosophy.

At HortiFair, I saw that this spirit is spreading across the Kenyan horticultural sector. Sustainability is not just an individual farm’s duty — it is a shared responsibility among businesses, workers, and the community.

 

Honest Conversations: The Real Challenges

Even with all the optimism, there were honest, sometimes sobering conversations. Sustainability is not without its hurdles.

1. Cost and accessibility of sustainable inputs

Biocontrols, organic fertilizers, and renewable energy systems are promising but often expensive up front. Some smallholders shared frustrations about limited availability and inconsistent product quality.

2. Knowledge and training gaps

Sustainable practices require new knowledge—how to manage soil health, use microbes effectively, or integrate pest control without chemicals. Many farmers need more extension support, follow-up visits, and demonstration sites.

3. Climate change pressures

Erratic weather patterns continue to challenge growers. Even with better technology, unpredictable rainfall and rising temperatures demand stronger climate adaptation strategies.

4. Policy and market barriers

Sustainability standards for exports (e.g., certification, traceability, residue testing) can be complex. For small farms, compliance can be costly and bureaucratic.

These challenges do not discourage me; they make me more determined. Seeing so many stakeholders acknowledge them openly shows that we are moving toward real solutions.

 

Lessons I Brought Back to Forward Farming

Leaving the HortiFair grounds, my notebook was full, but so was my mind. Here are the main lessons I carried home—lessons I am now applying both at Tambuzi and in our broader Farm Forward discussions.

1. Sustainability is a journey, not a destination

No single farm is 100% sustainable. It is about small, consistent improvements — using one less chemical, recycling one more litre of water, planting one more tree.

2. Soil health is everything

Healthy soil supports everything else: water efficiency, crop resilience, nutrient cycling, and carbon storage. I plan to expand our composting efforts and integrate cover crops and organic amendments wherever possible.

3. Safety and dignity matter

Protecting workers is not optional. The PPE and safety exhibits reminded me that sustainability starts with how we treat our people. I am advocating for even stronger safety standards at our farms.

4. Technology must serve the farmer

We will continue exploring practical tech solutions—sensor-based irrigation, solar systems, and digital record-keeping—to improve efficiency and traceability.

5. Partnerships are key

True sustainability is collaborative. We need suppliers, banks, researchers, and communities to work together. I will strengthen partnerships with other farms and innovators we met at the fair.

 

The Human Side of Sustainability

Among all the technical discussions, one conversation stood out. I met a small-scale flower grower from Nakuru who told me about her transition to organic farming. She admitted the first season was tough — yields dropped; pests challenged her patience. But she smiled when she said, “Now my soil breathes again.”

That phrase stayed with me. “My soil breathes again.”

It reminded me that sustainability is not about perfection; it is about renewal. It is about restoring balance between farming and nature, profit and purpose, people, and planet.

 

Connecting the Dots: From Naivasha to Nanyuki

Back in Nanyuki the echoes of Naivasha were still strong. I have since learned how to:

• Increase our water harvesting capacity.
• Integrate more biocontrol agents into pest management.
• Strengthen our employee welfare and safety programs.
• And develop a training series for our teams on sustainable practices.

These steps might seem small, but that’s how change begins—one practice, one policy, one mindset at a time.

Through Forward Farming, I hope to share these stories openly, not just our successes but also our learning moments. Because sustainability thrives where knowledge is shared.

 

The Road Ahead

If the 2025 HortiFair taught me anything, it is that the future of horticulture in Kenya is bright ; but only if we embrace sustainability fully. The fair reminded me that progress does not come from one big leap; it comes from steady, collective effort.

The beauty of Kenyan farming lies in our resilience, creativity, and willingness to learn. We are now seeing farmers blending Indigenous knowledge with modern innovation; agroforestry meeting drip irrigation, compost blending with sensors, and flower farms turning waste into fertilizer.

And it is not just about surviving the climate crisis; it is about thriving through it. Sustainable farming is no longer a side project; it is the core of modern agriculture.

 

Final Reflections

As I close my notebook on the 2025 Naivasha HortiFair, I realize that sustainability is not something we attend a fair to learn, it is something we live every day on our farms.

The fair was a reminder that the true wealth of agriculture lies not in yields alone, but in balance: between people and profits, production and preservation, soil, and soul.

For me, as part of the Forward Farming community, I see sustainability not as a buzzword, but as a personal mission. Whether it is training workers on safety, experimenting with organic inputs, or simply planting trees around our fields, each step matters.

The journey ahead is long, but events like the HortiFair remind us that we are not walking alone. Farmers, researchers, financiers, and consumers are all part of this shared story — a story of hope, responsibility, and regeneration.

So, here is to the soil that breathes again, the hands that nurture it, and the future we are building — one sustainable step at a time.