The 16th edition of MKTE set to attract record 10,000 delegates from more than 40 countries, making it the biggest edition of the Magical Kenya Travel Expo (MKTE) so far.
The expo will take place from October 6 to 8, 2026, at Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi. It is expected to bring together more than 10,000 delegates, over 400 exhibitors, and more than 250 international travel buyers.
The growing number of participants shows the increasing global interest in Kenya as a tourism destination. The event also supports Kenya’s goal of reaching 5 million international visitors by the end of 2027.
The 2026 edition will be much bigger than the 2025 expo, which attracted 7,691 delegates. This represents an increase of about 30 percent and shows growing confidence in Kenya’s tourism industry.
Speaking during the launch of MKTE 2026 in Nairobi, Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) CEO June Chepkemei said the expo will help Kenya use data, technology and partnerships to improve tourism.
She explained that the expo’s programs are designed around what travelers want and the latest information about the tourism market. This will help tourism businesses better understand visitors and turn interest in Kenya into actual bookings and visits.
Chepkemei also highlighted the importance of cooperation between the government and private businesses in growing Kenya’s tourism sector.
Technology and AI to Shape Tourism
MKTE 2026 will be held under the theme “Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence: Shaping the Future of Tourism.”
The event will explore how artificial intelligence, big data, digital payments, immersive technology and smart tourism tools can help transform the tourism industry in Kenya and across Africa.
The expo will bring together government officials, tourism businesses, tourism boards and technology companies to discuss how technology can make Kenya more competitive while ensuring that tourism benefits more people.
Focus on Business Tourism
A major focus of the expo will be Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism.
The Kenya MICE Club will help bring together government and private-sector stakeholders to promote Kenya as a leading destination for international conferences, meetings and business events.
Kenya MICE Association Chair Duncan Muriuki said business events could help Kenya earn more tourism revenue by attracting high-value visitors.
He noted that Nairobi and Mombasa have strong facilities and tourism experiences that can attract international events and encourage business travelers to stay longer.
Stronger Partnerships for Tourism Growth
Tour Operators Society of Kenya (TOSK) Chairman Raymond Cheruiyot welcomed government efforts to improve visa access and expand air connections to Kenya.
He said these improvements are making it easier for international visitors to come to Kenya and are strengthening the country’s position in the global tourism market.
Cheruiyot added that MKTE provides an important opportunity for tourism businesses to showcase Kenya’s attractions, create partnerships and attract more visitors.
Business Meetings and Tourism Experiences
MKTE 2026 will include seminars, business-to-business meetings and familiarisation trips. These activities will allow tourism professionals and international buyers to connect, share ideas and create new business opportunities.
Overall, the 2026 expo aims to use technology, artificial intelligence and smart tourism solutions to strengthen Kenya’s tourism industry and attract more visitors.
With more than 10,000 delegates expected, MKTE 2026 is set to be an important event for Kenya’s tourism sector and its goal of becoming a more competitive and sustainable global tourism destination.