The 9th Big 5 Construct Kenya exhibition is scheduled to take place at the Sarit Expo Centre in Nairobi from October 21 to 23, 2026. The event, organised by dmg events, is expected to attract more than 150 exhibitors from over 25 countries. These exhibitors will showcase a wide range of products and services, including construction materials, equipment, digital technologies, and specialist services. The exhibition targets an active construction sector in Kenya valued at KSh 3.37 trillion (USD 26 billion) in projects.
Kenya's construction sector has shown significant growth, recording a 6.8% growth in 2025, rebounding from a 0.7% contraction the previous year, according to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics Economic Survey 2026. The country also accounts for 64.4% of East Africa's identified construction project value, underlining its dominance as the region's leading construction market. This growth is expected to create demand for a broad range of products, expertise, and specialist services, opening opportunities for companies looking to expand their presence in East Africa.
The exhibition will feature international participants, including Liebherr, Silkcoat Paint Company, Krypton Chemical, Ceramica Cleopatra, MC-Bauchemie, and RIB Software. Country pavilions from China, Egypt, Germany, Italy, and Türkiye will also be present at the event. Local companies participating include Kohler East Africa, Henkel Kenya, King Tiles, and Elite Tools, among others. Josine Heijmans, senior vice president at dmg events, noted that Kenya's substantial project pipeline is creating demand for a broad range of products, expertise, and specialist services.
A new feature at this year's exhibition is the Big 5 Impact Trail, which will guide visitors through a curated selection of eco-friendly construction solutions displayed across the exhibition floor. The trail features markers highlighting lower-impact materials, resource-efficient technologies, and products built for long-term performance. Exhibitors confirmed for the Impact Trail include ProNature, Herz Middle East, Emirates Industrial Panel, National Paints Factories, Knauf Gypsum Tanzania, and Surfaces Furnishing.
The CPD-certified Big 5 Talks will deliver more than 25 sessions covering five themes: architecture and design, project management, technology and innovation, sustainability, and contracting. Speakers confirmed for the programme include representatives from the Ministry of Roads and Transport, the National Construction Authority, the Architectural Association of Kenya, the International Federation of Consulting Engineers (FIDIC), Turner and Townsend, and Gentec Consulting, among other organisations.
Attendance at Big 5 Construct Kenya is free for trade and industry professionals aged 21 and above. The event provides professionals with the opportunity to see solutions first-hand, exchange knowledge with peers, and have practical conversations around the projects and requirements driving the market. Heijmans added that the exhibition will enable professionals to connect sustainable product options with Kenya Vision 2030's development goals.
In related news, the 2026 K-Lifestyle in Kenya Showcase recently took place in Nairobi, featuring over 30 Korean companies meeting consumers and potential business partners. The event drew over 1,500 attendees and recorded more than 200 business engagements, as South Korea-Kenya merchandise trade reached about US$226 million in 2025.
Key points
- The 9th Big 5 Construct Kenya exhibition will feature 150 exhibitors from 25 countries at the Sarit Expo Centre in Nairobi from October 21 to 23, 2026.
- The event targets an active construction sector in Kenya valued at KSh 3.37 trillion (USD 26 billion) in projects.
- A new feature, the Big 5 Impact Trail, will debut at the exhibition, spotlighting eco-friendly construction solutions.
