Kitui County has announced plans to host the 2026 Agricultural Show, Traders Fair, and Investment Expo in July, aimed at showcasing the region’s economic potential and promoting agribusiness innovation. The decision was made during a week-long Kitui County Budget and Economic Forum (CBEF) retreat in Mombasa, chaired by Governor Julius Malombe. The event will feature climate-smart agricultural technologies, value addition initiatives, and trade and investment opportunities, positioning Kitui as a hub for regional economic growth.
Governor Malombe emphasized that the expo forms part of a broader strategy to strengthen Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) while creating job opportunities for the county’s youth. Through targeted capacity building in business management, digital literacy, and cooperative-based financing, we aim to empower local entrepreneurs and expand market access, he said. The county also plans to leverage e-commerce platforms and preferential local procurement to enhance trade for small enterprises, while establishing ICT innovation hubs, agribusiness incubation centers, and creative industry programs across Kitui subcounties.
The forum highlighted youth empowerment and employment creation as key pillars in the county’s development agenda, with significant efforts planned to expand access to training, mentorship, and innovation opportunities. By fostering partnerships with private sector actors, learning institutions, and development agencies, Kitui County seeks to unlock sustainable economic growth in sectors such as agriculture, tourism, ICT, and manufacturing. Officials say the expo is expected to attract investors, stimulate entrepreneurship, and drive inclusive development, setting the stage for a vibrant economic transformation in the region.