Tourism Ps Bitok: Agribusiness Trade Fair is Foundation for Agri-tourism Link
By Isaac Kogey – Eldoret
State Department for Tourism Principal Secretary Amb. Prof. Julius Bittok says the University of Eldoret Agribusiness Trade Fair will form the foundation for linking agriculture and tourism in Kenya.
Speaking on Day Two of the 19th Agribusiness Trade Fair 2026 at the University of Eldoret, PS Bittok said tourism remains Kenya’s number one foreign exchange earner and the North Rift is ripe to be developed as an alternative tourism circuit.
“And this trade fair becomes the foundation of the relationship between agriculture and tourism going forward,” PS Bittok said.
The three-day fair is being held under the theme “Promoting Innovative Climate-Smart Farmer-Centered Agribusiness for Sustainable Inclusive Development.”
According to the PS, Kenya is now earning almost Sh500 billion from tourism, with 2.7 million tourists visiting the country. The government target is 5.5 million tourists.
“Traditionally we have always looked at beach tourism. We have looked at safari tourism in Masai Mara but it is time to develop this product of North Rift so that we can be able to… people can be able to come here under Tembea Kenya. Go to our farms … Go to our waterfalls around. Go to our hills. Go to our beautiful sceneries. Our beautiful farms,” he said.
PS Bittok noted that tourism is a major job creator, with every one tourist creating eleven jobs.
For every one tourist, eleven jobs. Eleven jobs… And the jobs are permanent jobs. There are serious jobs for our young people. And that is the conversation we need to have. And that is the missing link, he added.
The PS said his department will work with counties in the entire North Rift region under NOREB – including Nandi, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, Baringo and West Pokot – to package agri-tourism products.
He also revealed that the UN Tourism Week started yesterday, and praised the University of Eldoret for being the first institution in Africa to roll out tourism programs.
“We are happy and proud to be hosted by the University of Eldoret which indeed becomes the first institution in Africa to roll out tourism programs in this country,” Bitok said.
Meanwhile, Vice Chancellor Prof. Thomas Cheruiyot said the University of Eldoret has interacted with farmers for 80 years since its inception, and will continue working with other stakeholders to train farmers, conduct research and develop innovative farming technologies.
“For 80 years, this University has walked with farmers. We will continue to partner with government, private sector and other stakeholders to train, do research and make innovative technology on farming for a more productive and in sustainable agriculture,” Prof. Cheruiyot said.
The Trade Fair, which kicked off on 24th September, to 26th September. Over 100 exhibitors are participating, with Kass Media Group as official media partner.
