Over 25 countries to attend Nairobi trade fair as ASK targets investment and exports

The international participation was announced during the 2026 Nairobi International Trade Fair Exhibitors Forum held at the Jamhuri Park showground in Nairobi ahead of the main event, scheduled for Sept. 28 to Oct. 4.

The fair will bring together businesses and institutions from agriculture, manufacturing, technology, education, hospitality, construction, real estate, textiles and the small and medium-sized enterprise sector.

Countries expected to participate include Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, Nigeria, France, Belgium, India, Israel, Indonesia, Turkey, the Netherlands, China, Japan, Qatar, Ethiopia and Egypt.

Floice Mukabana, chief executive of the Kenya Export Promotion and Branding Agency and chief guest at the forum, said the fair offered an opportunity for Kenyan businesses to expand into international markets and strengthen the country's export proposition.

“Through the Made in Kenya Initiative, the agency is promoting greater appreciation and adoption of locally produced goods and services, while strengthening confidence in Kenyan products in the domestic, regional, and international market,” she said.

She said the agency's support includes market intelligence, product development, trade facilitation, international market development and nation-branding initiatives.

“Ultimately, our mission is to help Kenyan businesses grow, compete and succeed in original international markets while showcasing the very best that Kenya has to offer,” Mukabana said.

Mukabana said the fair should go beyond showcasing products and services and create lasting commercial opportunities.

“Let it be a platform for building partnerships, creating new markets, sharing innovative ideas, and demonstrating solutions that will drive Kenya's sustainable economic growth,” she said.

Levi Mukhweso, chairman of the Nairobi International Trade Fair, said the event was being organized around climate-smart agriculture and sustainable economic growth.

“We convene under the theme Promoting Climate Smart Agriculture and Trade Initiative for Sustainable Economic Growth. The theme reflects the need to embrace sustainable practices, innovation, stronger trade links as we respond to emerging economic and environmental challenges,” he said.

“The Nairobi International Trade Fair remains a significant platform for showcasing products, technologies and ideas while creating opportunities for business, learning and partnership,” Mukhweso said.

The effort to expand the fair's commercial role comes as ASK undertakes infrastructure improvements at the Jamhuri Park showground.

Bertram Muthoka, chief executive of the Agricultural Society of Kenya, said the society's 2025-2029 strategic plan was guiding the transformation.

“Your participation remains central to the success and relevance of our cultural shows and trade fairs. ASK continues to evolve in response to the changing needs of agriculture, trade, and enterprise,” he said.

“Our vision is to be a world-class agricultural and trade forum, and we are progressively strengthening our platforms to deliver greater value for exhibitors, partners and the public.”

Muthoka said ASK was investing in the physical transformation of the showground, including an enhanced arena and a borehole through a partnership with the Kenya Defense Forces. It is also working with the National Youth Service to improve roads and engaging stakeholders to enhance water reticulation.

“These investments form part of our long-term commitment to modernizing the showground and ensuring that our facilities keep pace with the evolving needs of exhibitors and the public,” Muthoka said.

Security officials said police would be on alert for petty theft and other crimes during the event, particularly because of the large crowds expected.

OCPD Anthony Ikunda said a police station would be established at the showground and officers would work with other security agencies.

“We are prepared for this event on the matters of safety and security. We are going to work with other agencies. We are going to have the Administration Police here and also the General Service Unit,” he said.

Police will also work with private security personnel and conduct patrols around the venue, with officers providing contact numbers for exhibitors to report incidents.

National Environment Management Authority official Hellen Kutwa urged exhibitors to reduce waste, separate recyclable materials and limit single-use plastics.

“As exhibitors, whether inside here or outside the showground, be mindful of waste that you are producing,” Kutwa said.

The organizers are also introducing a digital judging system through which judges will assess exhibitors using smartphones. The system will cover 63 classes and is intended to make judging paperless and standardized.

ASK said the broader changes were aimed at strengthening the Nairobi International Trade Fair as a platform for business, investment, innovation and international trade, rather than simply an annual exhibition.