Kenya will host more than 10,000 delegates from 40 countries at the 16th edition of the Magical Kenya Travel Expo (MKTE) from October 6 to 8, 2026. The three-day event will take place at Uhuru Gardens, Nairobi.
This figure represents a 30 percent increase in attendance compared to MKTE 2025’s 7,691 delegates, setting a new record for the event. Over 400 exhibitors and more than 250 quality-vetted international buyers are expected to participate, underscoring MKTE’s position as East Africa’s leading travel trade event.
MKTE 2026 will center on the theme “Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence: Shaping the Future of Tourism.”
The expo aligns with the global focus of World Tourism Day 2026 and aims to promote digital innovation through artificial intelligence, big data, immersive technology, and smart destination tools to enhance tourism competitiveness and visitor experience.
Special attention will be given to Kenya’s Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector. The Kenya MICE Club will organize sessions to promote Kenya as a prime destination for international business events. Duncan Muriuki, Chair of the Kenya MICE Association, leads efforts to develop competitive bidding packages that include destination incentives tailored for high-value business tourism.
Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) CEO June Chepkemei stated,
“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 emphasized the use of market insights to convert visitor interest into arrivals and the role of strategic partnerships driven by public-private collaboration in Kenya’s tourism growth.
Raymond Cheruiyot, Chair of the Tour Operators Society of Kenya (TOSK), highlighted government reforms improving visa access and expanding air connectivity as foundational for Kenya’s tourism expansion. He described MKTE as a critical platform to showcase Kenya’s diverse tourism offerings and to forge strategic partnerships that will increase visitor arrivals
and tourism revenue.
The expo program will feature seminars, business-to-business meetings, and familiarisation trips designed to build partnerships and generate trade opportunities. Organizers will also explore how technology and smart destination management can enhance Kenya’s competitiveness in tourism while supporting inclusive and sustainable growth.
MKTE 2026 supports Kenya’s national strategy to reach five million international visitors by the end of 2027 and reflects confidence in the country’s tourism sector driven by innovation and strategic alignment.
