Richard Ndungu (centre) during the pre-exhibition media conference for the Africa International Construction Machinery Expo Conference 2026 in Nairobi on June 15, 2026.
NAIROBI, June 15, 2026 — Kenya is seeking to strengthen industrial cooperation, technology transfer and trade relations with China through the Africa International Construction Machinery Expo Conference 2026, set to take place from June 17 to 19 at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi.
Speaking during a pre-exhibition media conference in Nairobi on Monday, Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) Kenya-China (Asia) Trade and Investment Promotion Initiative Chairperson Richard Ndungu said the expo will provide a strategic platform for investment, innovation and business partnerships aimed at accelerating Kenya’s industrialisation agenda.
“This morning, we unveil a significant opportunity: the Africa International Construction Machinery Expo Conference 2026, taking place from 17th to 19th June 2026 at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Nairobi,” said Ndungu.
Held under the theme “Smart Manufacturing for Africa – Building the Future,” the event is expected to bring together over 200 leading Chinese manufacturers and hundreds of local businesses seeking opportunities in construction, agriculture, manufacturing, mining, logistics and energy sectors.
Ndungu said the exhibition comes at a critical time when Kenya is pursuing industrial growth, value addition and increased competitiveness in regional and global markets.
He noted that modern machinery and technology have become essential drivers of economic transformation, enabling businesses to improve efficiency, reduce costs and expand production capacity.
“Whether in construction, agriculture, manufacturing, mining, logistics or energy, access to modern equipment and industrial innovation determines how effectively our businesses competenot just regionally, but globally,” Ndungu stated.
The expo is being jointly organised by KNCCI and Hongxing Sparkle Africa International Convention and Exhibition Company Limited (HSAIE), a partnership Ndungu said is designed to open new markets, attract investment and facilitate technology transfer between Kenya and China.
According to Ndungu, the event will go beyond showcasing equipment by creating opportunities for business-to-business engagements, dealership agreements, equipment financing, distributorships and long-term commercial partnerships.
He observed that recent measures by China granting zero-tariff access to eligible Kenyan exports have created new opportunities for local enterprises seeking entry into one of the world’s largest markets.
“The conversation about Kenya-China trade must evolve. It can no longer focus solely on what Kenya imports. It must increasingly centre on what Kenya exports,” he said.
Ndungu noted that Kenya has significant potential to expand exports of value-added products, including processed agricultural goods, specialty tea and coffee, textiles, leather products and manufactured goods.
He added that increased access to the Chinese market would help Kenyan enterprises grow exports, diversify markets and strengthen participation in global value chains.At the same time, he said Chinese investment, industrial technologies and machinery could support Kenya’s economic transformation by enhancing productivity and competitiveness across key sectors.
“This is the strategic exchange we seek to promote: Kenyan products gaining access to the Chinese market, while Chinese technology, machinery and investment support Kenya’s economic transformation,” he said.
Beyond trade, Ndungu highlighted the expo’s potential to attract investment through joint ventures, local assembly operations, skills development programmes and after-sales support services, all of which could contribute to job creation and industrial growth.
He urged manufacturers, contractors, distributors, investors, developers, farmers and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to participate in the event and take advantage of emerging opportunities.
“The Africa International Construction Machinery Expo Conference 2026 is more than an exhibition. It is a platform for partnerships, a catalyst for investment, and a transformative opportunity to position Kenyan enterprises for the next phase of industrial growth and commercial engagement with China,” Ndungu said.
The three-day expo is expected to showcase advanced machinery, industrial technologies and innovative solutions aimed at supporting Africa’s infrastructure development and manufacturing ambitions.
