Kenya will host more than 10,000 delegates from 40 countries during the 16th edition of the Magical Kenya Travel Expo (MKTE), in what will be the event’s largest attendance since its inception as the country steps up efforts to attract five million international visitors by the end of 2027.
The three-day expo will take place at Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi from October 6 to October 8, 2026. It is expected to bring together more than 400 exhibitors and over 250 quality-vetted international buyers, reinforcing its position as East Africa‘s leading travel trade event.
The projected attendance marks a significant increase from the 7,691 delegates recorded during MKTE 2025, representing growth of about 30 per cent and reflecting growing confidence in Kenya’s tourism sector.
Speaking during the launch of the 2026 edition in Nairobi, Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) Chief Executive Officer June Chepkemei said the expo demonstrates Kenya’s commitment to driving tourism growth through innovation, technology and strategic partnerships.
She said every aspect of this year’s event has been informed by market intelligence and consumer trends.
“Every element of this year’s MKTE programme, from the buyer selection to the seminar agenda, is informed by data and consumer demand intelligence,” Chepkemei said.
She added that the board understands what motivates travellers and has aligned its marketing efforts to meet those expectations.
“We know what the interests of our visitors are and what it takes to convert interest into arrivals. Our marketing campaigns both domestic and international are built on that evidence, and MKTE is the platform where we bring those insights to life for our partners,” she said.
Chepkemei also attributed the success of previous editions of the expo to the close collaboration between the government and the private sector.
She described the public-private partnership model as a key driver of Kenya’s tourism growth and said it remains central to the country’s efforts to strengthen its position in the global tourism market.
This year’s expo will be held under the theme, “Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence: Shaping the Future of Tourism,” in line with the global focus of <a href="https://absafricatv9491.live-website.com/lesothos-only-unesco-world-heritage-site/” title=”Lesotho’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site”>World Tourism Day 2026.
The event will provide a platform for government agencies, tourism boards, industry players and technology partners to explore how digital innovation can accelerate tourism growth across the continent.
Discussions will focus on the use of artificial intelligence, big data, immersive technologies, digital payments and smart destination tools to improve the visitor experience and enhance the competitiveness of tourism destinations.
MKTE 2026 will also place special emphasis on Kenya’s Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) sector, which has become an increasingly important pillar of the country’s tourism strategy.
The expo will dedicate significant sessions to the MICE segment, with the Kenya MICE Club bringing together government and private sector stakeholders to promote Kenya as a competitive destination for international business events.
Kenya MICE Association Chair Duncan Muriuki said the association is working closely with the government and industry players to strengthen Kenya’s position in the global MICE market.
“MICE is the next frontier for growing tourism revenue. Our focus is not just on increasing visitor numbers, but on attracting high-value business events that deliver greater economic impact,” Muriuki said.
He said the Kenya MICE Club is developing competitive bidding packages in collaboration with the government and private sector.
“Through the Kenya MICE Club, we are working with government and the private sector to develop competitive bidding packages that include destination incentives and a compelling value proposition,” he said.
Muriuki noted that Kenya’s modern facilities, coupled with strong “bleisure” offerings in Nairobi and Mombasa, position the country to attract more global events while encouraging business travellers to extend their stays.
The Chairman of the Tour Operators Society of Kenya (TOSK), Raymond Cheruiyot, welcomed the government’s continued investment in tourism, saying reforms aimed at easing visa access and expanding air connectivity are strengthening Kenya’s appeal to international travellers.
“The Government’s efforts to improve visa access and expand air connectivity have created a strong foundation for tourism growth,” Cheruiyot said.
