The Magical Kenya Travel Expo (MKTE) 2026 will be held from October 6 to 8 at Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi, hosting more than 10,000 delegates from 40 countries. The event will feature over 400 exhibitors and more than 250 quality-vetted international buyers, marking the 16th edition of East Africa’s premier travel trade gathering.
This represents a 30 percent increase in delegate numbers compared to the 7,691 participants at MKTE 2025. The growth is driven by rising confidence in Kenya’s tourism proposition worldwide, supporting the country’s target of attracting 5 million tourists by the end of 2027.
MKTE 2026 focuses on
the theme “Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence: Shaping the Future of Tourism,” aligning with World Tourism Day 2026. The expo will emphasize Kenya’s Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) sector, with significant programming involving the Kenya MICE Club to promote Kenya as a world-class meetings destination.
Key officials include Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) CEO June Chepkemei, who stated that every element of MKTE’s programme, from buyer selection to seminar agenda, is informed by data and consumer demand intelligence. Tour Operators Society of Kenya (TOSK) Chairman Raymond Cheruiyot praised government visa reforms and expanded air connectivity as strong foundations for tourism
growth. Kenya MICE Association Chair Duncan Muriuki highlighted work on competitive bidding packages and a compelling value proposition to attract high-value business events.
Chepkemei said, “Every element of this year’s MKTE programme, from the buyer selection to the seminar agenda, is informed by data and consumer demand intelligence. 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.”
Cheruiyot added, “The Government’s efforts to improve
visa access and expand air connectivity have created a strong foundation for tourism growth. MKTE provides a vital platform to showcase Kenya’s diverse tourism offering, build strategic partnerships, and position the country more strongly on the global tourism map. As the private sector, we remain committed to working alongside government to convert these opportunities into increased visitor arrivals, higher tourism revenue, and sustainable growth for the industry.”
Muriuki explained, “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. 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. With world-class facilities and strong ‘bleisure’ offerings in Nairobi and Mombasa, Kenya is well positioned to win more global events and convert business travel into longer, higher-value visitor experiences.”
MKTE 2026 will feature seminars, business-to-business meetings, and familiarisation trips designed to deepen trade connections and support inclusive growth. The event brings together industry players, government officials, tourism boards, and technology partners to discuss how digital innovation and artificial intelligence are transforming Kenya’s tourism sector.
