Kitui County Announces Agricultural Show and Investment Expo for 2026
The Kitui County government has announced plans to host the Kitui Agricultural Show, Traders Fair and Investment Expo 2026 in July of next year. This event is expected to play a significant role in showcasing the county’s agricultural potential and attracting investment opportunities.
The decision to hold the event was among the key resolutions made during a week-long Kitui County Budget and Economic Forum (CBEF) retreat held in Mombasa. The CBEF, chaired by Governor Julius Malombe, serves as a think-tank for the county government on matters related to budgeting, economic policy, and financial management.
Governor Malombe emphasized that the show will focus on climate-smart agricultural technologies, value addition, trade, and investment opportunities across the county. He stated that the merger of these events aims to maximize efficiency, attract partnerships, and promote Kitui as a regional hub for agribusiness, innovation, and sustainable economic growth.
Commitment to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)
Malombe reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) as a means of fostering inclusive economic growth. He highlighted that the forum recommended empowering MSMEs as key engines of local wealth creation and job generation.
To achieve this, the county plans to promote cooperative and Sacco-based financing, develop market and industrial infrastructure, and provide targeted capacity building in business management, digital literacy, and value addition. Additionally, the county will facilitate market access for local enterprises through e-commerce platforms and preferential local procurement, positioning Kitui as a hub for enterprise growth and innovation.
Youth Empowerment and Employment Creation
Youth empowerment and employment creation will be a key pillar in the county’s development agenda, according to Malombe. He mentioned that significant efforts will be made to expand youth access to training, mentorship, and innovation opportunities.
The county also plans to establish and operationalize ICT Innovation hubs, agribusiness incubation centers, and creative industry programs across all Kitui subcounties to empower the youth. Malombe emphasized that partnerships with private sector actors, learning institutions, and development agencies will be strengthened to enhance skills development, access to finance, and job creation in key sectors such as agriculture, ICT, tourism, and manufacturing.
Strategic Planning and Development Priorities
The deliberations at the Mombasa retreat were aimed at building consensus on key policy priorities to guide the 2025-26 financial year planning and budgeting cycle, as well as the county’s long-term development strategy.
Through these initiatives, Kitui County aims to create a more inclusive and sustainable economic environment that benefits all residents. The upcoming agricultural show and investment expo are expected to serve as catalysts for growth, innovation, and collaboration within the region.