The winning bull at the 2025 show.Preparations for the 2026 Nairobi International Trade Fair (NITF) are 99 per cent complete, with organisers assuring exhibitors and visitors that adequate security and measures to manage heavy rains are in place.
The week-long fair will be held from September 28 to October 4 at the Jamhuri Park Showground and is expected to attract more than 500 exhibitors from the agriculture, manufacturing, technology, finance, research and other sectors.
Nairobi Agricultural Society of Kenya chairman Levi Mukhweso said only final preparations remained ahead of the opening.
“We are about 99 per cent prepared for the show,” Mukhweso said during a media briefing after inspecting the showground alongside Nairobi deputy county commissioner for Kibera Victor Kamonde.
He said the fair will allow visitors to discover new agricultural technologies and innovations, while also accessing training on modern farming practices.
“The technologies being exhibited are things you don't want to miss. There will be a lot of innovation and a lot to learn from both local and international exhibitors,” he said.
Mukhweso said organisers had introduced a family package targeting groups of between three and nine people, as part of efforts to encourage more people to attend the fair.
Visitors attending for one day will receive a 10 per cent discount, while those attending for between two and seven days would receive a 12.5 per cent discount.
Visitors staying for more than one day would also enjoy free parking under the package.
The fair is expected to provide exhibitors with an opportunity to showcase their products and services, interact with potential customers and business partners, and engage policymakers and institutional buyers.
Mukhweso said the event had expanded beyond its traditional agricultural focus to include manufacturing, financial services, insurance, logistics, energy, education, research and technology.
The 2026 edition will feature exhibitions, product demonstrations and training sessions. The ASK Business Nexus and Technology Showcase will also provide opportunities for business meetings, product launches and engagements between exhibitors and institutional buyers.
Meanwhile, security agencies have completed preparations to manage crowds and respond to incidents that may occur during the event.
Kamonde said adequate security personnel will be deployed to safeguard exhibitors and visitors.
“We are ready for the show. We have moved around, and we assure Kenyans that we are well prepared for the big event,” he said.
He said authorities had also inspected drainage systems and water channels at the showground and ensured they were clear to allow rainwater to drain effectively in case of heavy rains.
“About the possibility of El Niño rains, we have gone round, and from what I have seen we are ensuring all drainage and water channels are opened in case of excess rainwater during the show,” Kamonde said.
He urged Nairobi residents to avoid disaster-prone areas and exercise caution in the event of heavy rainfall.
The annual trade fair remains an important platform for businesses, farmers, researchers, innovators and government institutions to display products, share knowledge and explore new opportunities.
