Deputy President, His Excellency Prof. Kithure Kindiki, is set to officially open the 15th edition of the Magical Kenya Travel Expo (MKTE) on Thursday, October 2, 2025, at Nairobi’s Uhuru Gardens.
The annual expo, which has grown into East Africa’s premier international tourism trade fair, comes under the theme “Magical Kenya: Unlocking Africa’s Potential through Sustainable Tourism.”
Organisers say the event is happening at a defining moment for the industry as the continent seeks to expand its share of global tourism markets.
According to the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB), the 2025 edition will bring together more than 6,500 delegates from 40 countries. “Kenya’s remarkable tourism recovery led to 2024’s spike in numbers to register a significant 2.4 million international arrivals,” the statement reads in parts.
During the same year, the country earned Ksh452 billion from the sector, laying the ground for an ambitious target of welcoming 5.5 million visitors by 2027.
DP Kithure Kindiki speaks during a past event. Photo: Kithure Kindiki Source: Facebook
Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano noted that the government remains committed to positioning tourism as a central pillar of the economy under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.
“The goal reflects the Government’s commitment to transforming tourism into a lever for economic growth,” she said.
One of the highlights of the expo is the Africa Tourism Investment Forum, created in partnership with the African Continental Free Trade Area.
The forum aims to address financing challenges and link vetted tourism businesses with investors and policymakers.
“It creates a platform where vetted businesses can connect with investors and policymakers to unlock tangible opportunities,” the statement adds.
The government is also banking on major infrastructure projects to boost tourism circuits, including the Nairobi-Nakuru-Mau Summit Highway, the Dongo Kundu Bypass at the coast and expanded international flight connections.
“The remarkable growth in cruise tourism, with Mombasa emerging as a leading Indian Ocean destination further demonstrates Kenya’s diversified appeal,” CS Miano remarked.
The three-day expo will showcase Kenya’s diverse offerings to global buyers and media, reinforcing its role as a leading destination on the continent.