Kenya is set to host over 6,500 delegates from 40 countries during the 15th edition of the Magical Kenya Travel Expo (MKTE), scheduled for 1st–3rd October 2025 at Uhuru Gardens, Nairobi. The premier tourism event will run under the theme, “Sustainable Tourism Growth: Unlocking Africa’s Potential,” reflecting a strong emphasis on intra-African collaboration and the continent’s tourism resilience.
Tourism Principal Secretary John Ololtuaa, speaking during a stakeholder engagement event, underscored MKTE’s role in transforming Africa’s tourism landscape. He urged regional stakeholders to embrace the 2025 edition as a pan-African initiative aimed at driving collective growth. “We must view regional markets not as rival frontiers but components of a shared vision,” he said.
This year’s expo will feature 200 top international buyers, 400 exhibitors, and thousands of tourism professionals, making it one of Africa’s most comprehensive tourism trade platforms. The integration of the Africa Tourism Investment Forum (ATIF) is expected to be a game changer, with a strong focus on unlocking financing for tourism enterprises across the continent.
Kenya Tourism Board Chairman Francis Gichaba marked the 15th anniversary of MKTE as a milestone in Kenya’s tourism journey, celebrating its leadership in regional tourism development. KTB CEO June Chepkemei announced enhanced digital matchmaking tools and a sustainability-first framework to ensure impactful, eco-conscious engagements throughout the event.
Building on the momentum of MKTE 2024, which hosted 4,000 delegates, the 2025 edition aims to play a pivotal role in helping Kenya reach its ambitious target of 5.5 million annual visitors by 2027. Africa’s contribution to Kenya’s tourism continues to rise, with the continent accounting for 40.8% of arrivals in 2024.
Nicanor Sabula, CEO of the Kenya Association of Travel Agents, welcomed the integration of ATIF, citing its potential to unlock capital for tourism MSMEs across Africa.
With Africa’s tourism sector projected to grow by 6.5% over the next decade, MKTE 2025 is set to be a catalyst for transformative discussions, sustainable partnerships, and investment in a sector poised to reach $350 billion in value.
