GITEX is coming to Kenya for a massive 2026 debut in Nairobi

Silicon Savannah’s Big Play: GITEX Lands in Nairobi

TGITEX, the world’s most formidable technology brand, has announced its expansion into Kenya with the inaugural Ai Everything Kenya x GITEX Kenya set for May 19–21, 2026.

The event lands at a time when Kenya is aggressively pivoting from a regional tech hub to a global AI contender. Recent data shows Kenya led African tech funding in 2025, securing over US$1 billion in total capital. By hosting GITEX, Nairobi is hinting that it has the infrastructure, from hyperscale data centers to green energy, to move beyond being a consumer of technology and become a creator of it.

A New Era of Tech Diplomacy

Kenya recently introduced Sessional Paper No. 1 of 2025, a landmark policy that officially elevates "technology diplomacy" to a core pillar of its foreign policy. This means the country is now treating data governance, AI regulation, and digital infrastructure with the same weight as traditional security or trade negotiations.

The event will be split across two of Nairobi’s most iconic venues to handle the scale:

• The Summit: Taking place on May 19 at the Sarit Expo Centre, focusing on AI inclusivity.
• The Expo: Moving to the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) on May 20–21 for a massive showcase of global innovation.

###Economic Stakes The numbers behind this expansion are staggering. Beyond the billions in GDP contribution, the AI sector is expected to generate over 300,000 jobs by 2028. The show will co-locate several specialized platforms, including North Star Kenya for startups and GISEC Kenya for cybersecurity, ensuring that the growth is not just fast, but secure.

Nairobi is also bracing for a "Golden Moment" in tech. Just weeks after GITEX concludes, the city will host the Global Data Festival and the Kenya Space Expo in June 2026. This back-to-back scheduling cements Nairobi’s role as the multilateral hub for digital cooperation.

What to Expect and How to Attend

The 2026 edition will revolve around six critical themes: AI, Agritech, Cloud, Cybersecurity, IoT, and Sustainability. With support from dx⁵ and KAOUN International, the show aims to bridge the gap between local talent and global venture capital.

Visitor and delegate registration is now live. Because this is an exclusive professional trade event, attendees must be 21 or older and provide business identification upon entry. Options include:

• Free Visitor Pass: Granting access to the two-day expo at the KICC.
• Conference/Summit Pass: Providing limited-seating access to the Inclusive AI Everything Summit.
• Exhibitor & Startup Space: For companies looking to launch products or source funding.

Prospective attendees can secure their credentials through the official registration portal or explore more details at aieverythingkenya.com.