The much-anticipated Kitui Agricultural Show and Trade Fair, initially scheduled for July 2025, has been officially postponed to February 2026. The decision, announced by Kitui County’s Department of Agriculture, comes in the wake of a grand infrastructural transformation: the iconic Ithookwe Showground is set to undergo an ambitious facelift, transforming into a full-fledged stadium. This upgrade is driven by the national government’s selection of Kitui as the host county for the prestigious Mashujaa Day celebrations later this year , a historic first for the region.

According to the County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture, Mbaya Kimwele, the postponement is a necessary sacrifice for long-term gains. “The magnitude of the renovations and the national spotlight brought by Mashujaa Day demand complete focus on the construction of the stadium,” Kimwele stated. With construction schedules tightening and logistical options dwindling, moving the show to an alternative venue was deemed unfeasible. The county leadership, under the direction of Governor Julius Malombe, made the strategic choice to delay the event, ensuring the agricultural fair retains its grandeur and logistical readiness when it finally returns next year.


This postponement, while disruptive to some, marks a very crucial moment for Kitui County a transition from local exhibition grounds to a national stage. The show’s rescheduling to February 2026 is not just a delay; it’s a promise of a reimagined experience set against a backdrop of national pride and modern infrastructure. As bulldozers prepare to reshape Ithookwe into a stadium fit for heroes, the spirit of resilience and anticipation grows among stakeholders. When the fair returns, it will not only showcase agricultural prowess but also the transformed face of a county ready to rise.
