Nakuru BTeXPO - 2026 Surpasses Expectations, Organizers Say

By Suleiman Mbatiah

The 2026 BizLink Trade Expo (BTeXPO) has come to an end at Rift Valley Sports Club in Nakuru with organisers reporting strong attendance and exhibitor participation, saying the event has already surpassed expectations.

The expo, themed “Connecting Markets, Driving Enterprise Growth,” brought together businesses, innovators and service providers to showcase products, explore partnerships and create direct market linkages with consumers, investors and regional market stakeholders.

Experts say such platforms provide businesses with opportunities to increase market visibility, attract potential customers and investors, generate sales leads and gather direct feedback that helps improve products and services.

Event Director Joseph Namai said the early turnout from exhibitors, sponsors and visitors signalled strong momentum, noting that organisers were encouraged by the reception since the exhibition officially opened on March 5.

“We can confidently say that by the second day the exhibition had already surpassed our expectations in terms of sponsors, exhibitors and the number of people attending this important regional trade event,” said Namai.

According to organisers, 87 exhibitors had already set up stands by the second day, with several others expected to have arrived later after resolving logistical challenges involving transport delays and other operational arrangements.

Namai explained that the number of exhibitors could have risen to more than 100 by the final day as additional participants confirmed bookings, including businesses planning to showcase products for a single day.

The trade exhibitions allowed entrepreneurs to interact directly with potential buyers and suppliers, build business networks and identify new distribution channels that can expand their reach beyond local markets.

Nakuru County officials said the premier regional exhibition reflects the county’s broader strategy to position Nakuru as a leading investment destination and enterprise hub supporting trade, innovation and regional economic growth.

Speaking during the event, County Executive Committee Member for Trade Stephen Kuria said the county government has introduced reforms aimed at creating a more favourable environment for entrepreneurs and investors.

He said the county has digitised licensing and business registration processes, significantly reducing the time and cost required to start enterprises while improving efficiency in service delivery.

The county has also operationalised the Sh100 million Wezesha Fund, with Sh50 million already disbursed to Saccos and registered groups to expand access to affordable credit for micro enterprises.

Beyond financing, the county government has expanded training and mentorship programmes designed to equip local entrepreneurs with practical skills required to grow businesses and compete effectively in regional markets.

Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) also conducted digital literacy and digital marketing training for youth entrepreneurs during the expo, alongside sessions on financial literacy and enterprise management.

“We chose Nakuru for the beginning-of-year edition and the reception from businesses, government and other stakeholders has been very encouraging and positive so far,” Namai said, adding that it forms part of a broader calendar that includes another BTeXPO planned later in the year in Naivasha.