Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
The Africa Hotels & Restaurants Expo is the largest international trade show for the food service, hotels, restaurants, and catering industry in Eastern Africa. Scheduled for April 28-30, 2027, at the Sarit Expo Centre in Nairobi, this event will feature over 60 exhibitors showcasing cutting-edge technologies, equipment, and services.
It provides a unique platform for industry professionals to network, discover new trends, and explore investment opportunities. Africa Hotels & Restaurants Expo.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: Africa Hotels & Restaurants Expo runs from April 28-30, 2027 at Sarit Expo Centre, Nairobi, Kenya.
- 2Scale and Focus: This premier event showcases over 60 exhibitors from the food service, hotels, and catering sectors.
- 3Organiser: The expo is organised by FW Africa, a leading events organiser in the region.
- 4Buyer Authority: Key decision-makers from the hospitality and food service industries will attend.
- 5Entry: Registration is available online; attendees can expect a vibrant networking environment.
Why visit
Attendees will gain insights into the latest technologies and trends in the hospitality sector. The expo offers networking opportunities with industry leaders and potential partners. Visitors can explore a wide range of food and beverage products, enhancing their business offerings. The event also features high-level conferences and masterclasses led by industry experts.
Why exhibit
Exhibiting at the Africa Hotels & Restaurants Expo provides companies with visibility among key decision-makers in the hospitality industry. It is an opportunity to launch new products and services to a targeted audience. Exhibitors can build valuable connections and partnerships that can drive business growth in the region.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Hotel managers and owners
Restaurant operators and chefs
Catering service providers
Food and beverage suppliers
Hospitality technology providers
Investors in the hospitality sector
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Food service equipment manufacturers
Hospitality technology companies
Beverage suppliers and distributors
Catering service providers
Interior design firms for hospitality
Food packaging and processing companies
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Food and beverage products
Catering equipment and supplies
Hospitality technology solutions
Restaurant furniture and decor
Food processing equipment
Cleaning and sanitation products
Location & Facilities
Venue
Halls & areas
1Sarit Expo Centre
Sarit Expo Centre
Within Sarit Centre Mall, Westlands, Nairobi, Kenya
Facilities
Parking
Sarit Expo Centre in Nairobi typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: Sarit Expo Centre in Nairobi typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at Sarit Expo Centre for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Who runs the show
Organisers
FW Africa - the No
Organiser
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Nairobi, Kenya
Why it matters
On 2027-04-28 to 2027-04-30, Africa Hotels & Restaurants Expo in Nairobi covering Food and beverage products, Catering equipment and supplies, Hospitality technology solutions, Restaurant furniture and gives food buyers a single calendar window to compare suppliers, validate specs on the stand, and book follow-ups before the next buying cycle - especially when your roadmap matches the published exhibitor profile.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Plan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · KES
Arrival airports
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport
Nairobi's main international gateway and the arrival point for most Africa HORECA Expo exhibitors and buyers. Approx. 20 km from the venue - treat the drive time as a range and add buffer for morning and evening peaks
TBA
to venue
Approx. 45-75 min to Sarit Expo Centre, Westlands, depending on Mombasa Road and Waiyaki Way traffic
by car
Smaller domestic and regional airfield closer to the city centre, used for scheduled light-aircraft connections to Kenyan safari and coastal destinations - relevant if you add a lodge or resort buying trip around the show
TBA
to venue
Approx. 25-45 min to Sarit Expo Centre
by car
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Hotel Tobriana
4-star
NairobiUSD 150–190 / night
Mid-to-upper tier business hotel; breakfast and airport transfers are usually quoted separately, so ask for the all-in nightly figure in KES.
ONEAL URBAN SUITES
Suite hotel
NairobiUSD 150–202 / night
Flagged in Google Hotels as GREAT PRICE with excellent reviews and a 4.6 guest rating; suite layouts work well for exhibitor teams on a five to seven night stay.
The Suites Fourways
Serviced suites
NairobiUSD 150–202 / night
Serviced-suite format with in-unit kitchen, a practical choice when a stand crew wants to cut meal costs across a build-and-show week.
Kahama Hotel
3-star
NairobiUSD 95–122 / night
Best-value anchor in this set; budget roughly KES 1,000-2,000 each way for a ride-hail to Sarit Expo Centre if you base here.
Hemak Suites Hotel
Suite hotel
Nairobi (excellent location per listing)USD 150–202 / night
Breakfast charged separately; free Wi-Fi, free parking, air conditioning, restaurant and room service listed - the free parking matters if you hire a car for supplier visits.
Deka B&B
Bed and breakfast
NairobiUSD 150–202 / night
Small bed-and-breakfast base with breakfast included; suits a solo buyer who wants a quiet stay rather than a conference-style hotel.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Ride-hailing (Bolt / Uber) - airport to venue
Estimated costCost TBA
Best forJomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) to Sarit Expo Centre, Lower Kabete Road, Westlands
Ride-hailing is the most direct JKIA to Westlands option; pick-up zones apply at the terminals and the drive is usually 45-75 minutes in traffic.
Ride-hailing (Bolt / Uber) - Terminal 1A-D to venue
Estimated costCost TBA
Best forJKIA Terminal 1A-D to Sarit Centre
Bolt publishes a dedicated route page for Terminal 1A-D to Sarit Centre; allow extra time when several long-haul arrivals land together.
Matatu and city bus
Estimated costCost TBA
Best forNairobi CBD to Sarit Centre (Line 119 bus and matatu routes)
Rome2rio lists the line 119 bus among the ways to reach Sarit Center; matatu SACCO routes across Nairobi are mapped on KenyaHub. Fares are paid in cash or by M-Pesa - keep small notes.
Pre-booked airport transfer
Estimated costCost TBA
Best forNBO to Sarit Expo Centre, Lower Kabete Road
A pre-booked transfer with a name board avoids queueing after a long flight and is usually priced per vehicle, not per person - useful for two or three colleagues landing together.
Taxi (kerbside / metered)
Estimated costCost TBA
Best forJomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) to Sarit Expo Centre
Kerbside taxis are available outside the terminals; confirm the price in KES before you get in and avoid unmarked cars.
Taxi - secondary airfield
Estimated costCost TBA
Best forWilson Airport (WIL) to Sarit Expo Centre
Wilson is the domestic airfield for safari and coastal connections and sits much closer to Westlands than JKIA, so the fare is materially lower.
Hotel shuttle / hotel car
Estimated costCost TBA
Best forWestlands and Parklands hotels to Sarit Expo Centre
Ask your hotel whether it runs a show-week shuttle or flat-rate car; for hotels within 3 km of Sarit, a hotel car can be cheaper than ride-hailing at peak times.
Weather
Late April falls inside Nairobi's long-rains season (roughly March to May, wettest around April): mild days with highs typically 23-27 C, cool nights around 13-16 C, and a high chance of short afternoon or evening downpours. The city sits at roughly 1,795 m, so mornings and evenings feel distinctly cool for a equatorial location - a light layer is worth carrying even on a warm afternoon. Rainfall across April is commonly in the 150-200 mm range, usually delivered as intense bursts rather than all-day rain, which means outdoor transfers need buffer time but hall days are unaffected. Air quality from the Open-Meteo forecast near the event period showed US AQI around 56 with PM2.5 near 9.1 ug/m3 and PM10 near 14.2 ug/m3 - moderate, so sensitive visitors should check local advisories. Forecast and air-quality data come from a public API, not on-site measurement; check a current forecast in the week before travel.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Mobile: Safaricom has the widest 4G/5G coverage in Nairobi, with Airtel Kenya the main alternative; a tourist or data SIM needs passport registration at an operator shop, and eSIM plans bought before departure are the fastest route for a three-day trip. Mobile money: M-Pesa is the default payment rail for taxis, matatus, parking and small vendors - link it to a Kenyan number or carry cash if you are on a short visit. Venue: Sarit Expo Centre sits inside the Sarit Centre mall complex, so mall Wi-Fi and the surrounding cafés give a fallback when the hall network is congested at peak hours; treat hall Wi-Fi as shared and low-bandwidth and download exhibitor lists, floor plans and your badge QR code before arrival. Power: Kenya uses Type G sockets at 240 V, 50 Hz - bring a universal adapter and a power bank, and check whether your booth equipment needs a transformer. Roaming: check your home operator's Kenya roaming rate or buy a regional Africa data bundle, since pay-as-you-go roaming charges for data can escalate quickly over a three-day show.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Language and greetings
Swahili and English are both widely used in Nairobi business settings. Opening with a short greeting - 'Habari' or 'Habari yako' - before moving to the agenda is appreciated and sets a warmer tone than straight-to-business English.
Business cards and introductions
Exchange cards with both hands or the right hand and take a moment to read the card before pocketing it. At hospitality trade shows, a short introduction of your company, your role and the volumes or categories you buy is expected before product discussion.
Currency and payments
The local currency is the Kenyan shilling (KES). M-Pesa mobile money is accepted almost everywhere alongside cards; carry some cash for matatus, parking attendants and small vendors, and ask hotels to quote rates in KES to avoid exchange surprises.
Tipping and dress
Tipping is common for taxi drivers, hotel porters and restaurant staff - typically a small note or around 10 percent in restaurants. Smart-casual is the norm at Nairobi trade fairs, with suits or formal African dress for opening ceremonies and official receptions.
Negotiation and procurement norms
Relationships and references carry weight: Kenyan buyers often source through established distributors, so an exhibitor who names local partners and offers written quotes in KES or USD moves faster than one quoting verbally. Expect pricing conversations to include duty, freight and after-sales support.
Security routine
Venues and malls such as Sarit Centre run bag scans on entry, so allow a few minutes at the door. Keep a copy of your passport and badge with you, avoid displaying valuables, and use registered ride-hailing rather than unmarked cars for late transfers.
Coffee, tea and hospitality culture
Kenyan coffee and tea are a point of national pride and a natural conversation opener at a hospitality show - expect exhibitors to offer a cup and buyers to compare origin, grade and roast. Dairy, bakery and fresh-produce supply chains are equally central to how Nairobi hotel and restaurant operators evaluate suppliers.
Weather and altitude
Nairobi sits at roughly 1,795 m, so evenings in late April are cool enough for a jacket even though daytime temperatures stay mild. Long-rains showers usually arrive in short bursts in the afternoon - carry a compact umbrella rather than planning around all-day rain.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Destination: NBO
Nairobi is served by Jomo Kenyatta International (NBO) for long-haul flights, with Wilson (WIL) handling domestic and regional light aircraft. Sample round-trip economy fares captured from New York JFK for a 28 April 2027 arrival ranged from about KES 121,717 (Turkish Airlines via Istanbul, 17 hr 55 min) through KES 126,215 (KLM/Delta via Amsterdam) and KES 126,358 (Delta/Air France via Paris) to KES 137,117 (Qatar Airways via Doha, 19 hr 20 min), with Kenya Airways nonstop at about KES 139,139 and 14 hours. Regional buyers from East Africa should compare direct Kenya Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, RwandAir and Precision Air services into NBO rather than routing through Europe or the Gulf. Fares are search-engine samples including taxes and fees for one adult, and they move with booking timing and season - book early for a late-April arrival, compare flexible versus non-refundable buckets, and confirm baggage allowances if you are travelling with stand samples or equipment.
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO): Approx. 45-75 min to Sarit Expo Centre, Westlands, depending on Mombasa Road and Waiyaki Way traffic; Wilson Airport (WIL): Approx. 25-45 min to Sarit Expo Centre. Allow road or rail time to Sarit Expo Centre; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Sarit Expo Centre: Nairobi: Hotel Tobriana; Nairobi: ONEAL URBAN SUITES; Nairobi: The Suites Fourways.
Ride-hail: Bolt and Uber both operate across Nairobi and are the practical way to reach Sarit Expo Centre from most hotels. Typical in-city trips run roughly KES 400-1,800 depending on distance and peak traffic, while the JKIA to Westlands run is approximately KES 4,500-7,000 one way. Local alternatives include Little and hotel-arranged cars. Practical points: confirm the driver name and plate in the app before getting in, use the designated ride-hail pick-up zones at JKIA Terminal 1A-1D, pay by card, cash or M-Pesa, and expect surge pricing during the 07:30-09:30 and 17:00-19:30 Nairobi peaks - leaving the hotel 30 minutes earlier is often cheaper than surging. All fares are approximate and should be confirmed live in the app.
Public transit: Nairobi has no metro or commuter rail link serving the Sarit Centre area, so public transport means buses and matatus. Line 119 bus connects the CBD with Sarit Center, and matatu SACCO routes across the city are mapped on KenyaHub. A single journey typically costs roughly KES 50-150, paid in cash or by M-Pesa, and matatus run frequently but fill up and stop wherever the conductor calls. For a three-day trade visit, use public transport for short familiar hops and ride-hailing for airport runs, early meetings and evening returns; carry small KES notes, keep bags on your lap, and avoid peak-hour transfers with equipment or samples. Confirm current routes and fares locally before relying on them.
Parking: Sarit Expo Centre sits within the Sarit Centre mall complex in Westlands, so parking is on-site and shared with mall traffic rather than a dedicated exhibition car park. Expect a bag or vehicle scan at the entrance, busier bays mid-morning and around lunch, and paid parking with rates set by the venue - confirm current hourly and daily tariffs at the barrier or with the organiser. Exhibitors with vehicles or deliveries should arrange loading access, build-day entry times and any forklift support with the venue technical team in advance. For a taxi or ride-hail drop-off, ask for the Sarit Centre Westlands entrance rather than the Lower Kabete Road service side, and allow 10-15 minutes extra during the 08:30-09:30 arrival peak.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: April 2027 (long-rains season in Nairobi)
Temperature: Late April in Nairobi: daytime highs typically 23-27 C and nights around 13-16 C, with cooler mornings at the city's roughly 1,795 m altitude. These are climatological averages, not a forecast - check a live forecast for the show week before you pack.
Seasonality: April is the wettest stretch of Nairobi's long-rains season (roughly March to May), with monthly rainfall commonly in the 150-200 mm range. Rain usually arrives as heavy afternoon or evening showers lasting an hour or two rather than steady all-day drizzle, so plan outdoor transfers and venue walks with a 20-30 minute buffer and keep documents in a waterproof bag.
Packing: Pack a light rain jacket or compact umbrella, a warm layer for cool evenings and air-conditioned halls, closed shoes for wet pavements around Sarit Centre, and business-casual show attire with one smarter outfit for opening ceremonies. Add a Type G plug adapter (Kenya runs 240 V, 50 Hz), a power bank for long hall days, a refillable water bottle, and a small amount of KES cash or an M-Pesa balance for matatus, parking and tips.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at Africa Hotels & Restaurants Expo usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
Day 1
Ticket flights into Jomo Kenyatta International (NBO) and leave at least 90 minutes between landing and any fixed meeting - Nairobi traffic on Mombasa Road and Waiyaki Way can add 30-45 minutes.
Day 2
Lock a hotel in Westlands, Parklands or around Sarit Centre and ask for a written rate in Kenyan shillings (KES); keep a free-cancellation window until your flights are issued.
Day 3
Apply for or verify your Kenya electronic travel authorisation (eTA) on the official government portal, and print the approval to carry with your passport.
Day 4
Download the exhibitor list and build a hall route - group meetings by category (hospitality equipment, food and beverage, bakery and pastry, coffee, housekeeping and hotel supplies) so you walk the floor once, not three times.
Day 5
Book two to three priority meetings in writing, and ask each supplier whether they can quote FOB Mombasa or delivered Nairobi - import logistics is a real decision factor for Kenyan hospitality buyers.
Day 6
Download Bolt and Uber and top up an M-Pesa wallet if you have a Kenyan number; both are the default way to reach Sarit Centre from hotels outside walking range.; Check the schedule page for the live demo, barista, culinary and housekeeping competition slots you want to watch, and block those hours out of your meeting plan.
Day 7
Print or save a digital copy of your business card details and company profile - exhibitors at Nairobi hospitality shows usually ask for a one-page buyer brief.
Day 8
Pack a light rain shell and closed shoes; late April is long-rains season and pavements around Sarit get wet in the afternoon.
Day 9
Carry a Type G plug adapter and a power bank - Kenyan sockets are 240 V, three square pins, and hall days are long.
Day 10
Change or withdraw a small amount of KES for matatus, parking and tips; cards work at the mall and hotels but small vendors prefer M-Pesa or cash.
Day 11
Reconfirm your airport transfer or ride-hail pickup point at NBO Terminal 1A-1D, and share your flight number with the hotel.
Day 12
Register online for Africa HORECA Expo 2027 and save the confirmation QR code for the badge desk at Sarit Expo Centre, Nairobi (28-30 April 2027).; Screenshot your badge confirmation, hotel address and the Sarit Expo Centre location, then charge devices - venue Wi-Fi is shared and slow at peak hours.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at Sarit Expo Centre
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2Africa Hotels & Restaurants Expo registration concourse
Sarit Expo Centre
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Sarit Expo Centre
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nightsKES 190.00
- Per diem × 2KES 150.00
Estimated totalKES 340.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether Africa Hotels & Restaurants Expo fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
For Africa Hotels & Restaurants Expo, what is your primary role on the show floor?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus and target suppliers align with the official exhibitor profile.
Best for
Buyers, engineers, and delegates sourcing Food and beverage products and Catering equipment and supplies solutions and benchmarking suppliers at Africa Hotels & Restaurants Expo in Nairobi.
Min. budget
$554.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration, hotels, and travel.
Risks
Session times and ticket tiers may change - confirm the official agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a defined lead-generation or distributor recruitment goal for this market.
Best for
Brands and manufacturers launching Food and beverage products and Catering equipment and supplies products who need qualified meetings with the event's trade audience.
Min. budget
$2,493.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, staffing, and pre-show marketing.
Risks
Booth pricing and corner premiums vary by hall - confirm with the organiser sales team.
skip
Audience, geography, or commercial goals do not justify travel and stand costs this cycle.
Best for
Teams with weak category fit, budget constraints, or overlapping commitments during the Nairobi show week.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
Skipping may mean missing buyer meetings if competitors exhibit or attend the same week.
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
How do I get from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to the Sarit Expo Centre?
Take a taxi or ride-hailing car from JKIA terminal pick-up zones; Bolt and Rome2rio list direct routes from Terminal 1A-D to Sarit Centre on Lower Kabete Road. Allow extra time for Nairobi peak-hour traffic.
Which airport should I fly into for the Nairobi expo?
NBO, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, is Nairobi's main international gateway and the practical arrival point for the show; Wilson Airport (WIL) handles mainly domestic and light aircraft traffic.
Where should visitors stay for the show?
Westlands, Parklands and the Sarit Centre area on Lower Kabete Road put you within a short ride of the halls; CBD hotels are a slightly longer commute but offer city-centre convenience. Google Hotels listed 1,588 Nairobi properties for the 28-30 April 2027 dates.
What is the weather like in Nairobi in late April?
Late April is the tail of the long-rains season, with mild days, cool nights and frequent short downpours; pack a light rain layer and allow buffer time for outdoor transfers.
How do I get around Nairobi without a car?
Ride-hailing apps such as Bolt and Uber cover most business trips, while matatus and city buses (including Line 119 to Sarit Center) are the low-cost option; fares are paid in cash or by mobile money.
Glossary
- Matatu
- Privately run minibus used across Nairobi for public transport; routes and stages are managed by SACCOs.
- Sarit Centre
- Nairobi shopping and expo complex on Lower Kabete Road in Westlands, referenced as the show venue in transport captures.
- JKIA / NBO
- Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi's main international gateway and the IATA code NBO.
- M-Pesa
- Kenya's mobile money service, widely used for fares, parking and small purchases in Nairobi.
- Long rains
- Kenya's main rainy season, running roughly March to May, which coincides with the late-April show dates.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- food service expo Kenya
- catering industry event Nairobi
- restaurants expo Africa
- Africa Hotels & Restaurants Expo 2027
- Africa Hotels 2027
- Africa Hotels & Restaurants Expo Nairobi 2027
- Africa Hotels Nairobi 2027
- Nairobi Kenya
- Hospitality & Food Service Nairobi 2027
Trust footer
Sources
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References
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Publishers
0
Date checked
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Africa HORECA Expo
- event_website
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.