Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
The Kenya Food & Drink Festival is a premier event celebrating the best in food, drink, and hospitality. Scheduled for December 3-5, 2026, at Impala Club, Nairobi, this festival will feature over 200 exhibitors from local and international brands.
Attendees can enjoy tastings, culinary masterclasses, and family-friendly activities, making it a perfect outing for food lovers and industry professionals alike. Kenya Food & Drink Festival takes place in Nairobi, Kenya.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: The Kenya Food & Drink Festival takes place from December 3-5, 2026, at Impala Club, Nairobi, Kenya.
- 2Scale and Focus: This festival features over 200 exhibitors showcasing food, beverages, and hospitality innovations.
- 3Organiser: The event is organised by AFMASS, a leader in food and beverage exhibitions in Africa.
- 4Buyer Authority: Attendees include food enthusiasts, industry professionals, and families looking for culinary experiences.
- 5Entry: Registration is available online; attendees can enjoy a variety of activities and tastings.
Why visit
Experience a diverse range of food and beverage products from local and international brands. Attendees include food enthusiasts, industry professionals, and families looking for culinary experiences. Registration is available online; attendees can enjoy a variety of activities and tastings.
Why exhibit
Gain direct access to thousands of potential customers and industry decision-makers. This festival features over 200 exhibitors showcasing food, beverages, and hospitality innovations. The event is organised by AFMASS, a leader in food and beverage exhibitions in Africa. Attendees include food enthusiasts, industry professionals, and families looking for culinary experiences.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Food enthusiasts looking for new tastes and experiences
Industry professionals seeking networking opportunities
Families looking for fun and engaging activities
Retailers and distributors exploring new products
Culinary students and aspiring chefs
Tourists interested in local cuisine and culture
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Food and beverage manufacturers showcasing products
Hospitality service providers and suppliers
Retailers and distributors in the food sector
Culinary schools and training institutions
Health and wellness product manufacturers
Technology providers for the food and beverage industry
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Fresh and packaged food products
Beverages including wines, spirits, and soft drinks
Catering and food service equipment
Hospitality technology solutions
Health and wellness products
Sustainable food and beverage innovations
Location & Facilities
Venue
Impala Club
Ngong’ Road, Nairobi, Kenya
Facilities
Parking
Impala Club, Ngong’ Road 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: Impala Club, Ngong’ Road 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 Impala Club, Ngong’ Road for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Who runs the show
Organisers
the publishers of the most influential magazines and websites for the food & beverage, tra
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 2026-12-03 to 2026-12-05, Kenya Food & Drink Festival in Nairobi covering Fresh and packaged food products, Beverages including wines, spirits, and soft drinks, Catering and food service equipme 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 · USD
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 all captured flight samples. Use the official taxi desk or a pre-booked transfer
TBA
to venue
Approx. 40-60 minutes depending on traffic
by car
Wilson Airport
Handles mostly domestic and regional flights. International visitors should plan on NBO unless they are connecting from another African city
TBA
to venue
Approx. 20-35 minutes depending on traffic
by car
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
taxi
Estimated costApprox. KES 2,500-4,000 one way
Best forJomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) to Impala Club, Ngong’ Road
Official airport taxi desk or pre-booked transfer. The journey is roughly 20 km and 40-60 minutes depending on traffic. Agree the fare before departure and confirm whether tolls or luggage are extra.
ride-hail (Uber or Bolt)
Estimated costApprox. KES 1,800-3,200 one way
Best forNBO airport to Impala Club, Ngong Road
Use the designated app pickup zone at the airport. Prices rise at peak times and in heavy rain; pay by card or M-Pesa in the app.
ride-hail (Uber or Bolt)
Estimated costApprox. KES 500-900 one way
Best forWestlands or Upper Hill hotels to Impala Club
A short city hop of roughly 6-10 km. Allow 20-35 minutes in weekday traffic and more during evening rush hour.
matatu
Estimated costApprox. KES 50-100 per single trip
Best forNgong Road corridor to near Impala Club
Matatus are Nairobi's main minibus network. Routes and stages change, so ask hotel staff for the current Ngong Road stage and confirm the fare with the conductor.
boda boda (motorcycle taxi)
Estimated costApprox. KES 100-300 per trip
Best forShort hops around Ngong Road and Kilimani
Use a helmet and agree the fare before setting off. Best kept to short daylight trips on quieter roads.
County public parking
Estimated costKES 300 per day (CBD rate)
Best forNairobi CBD streets
Nairobi County parking is paid via the NairobiPay portal or USSD *647#. The CBD rate is quoted at KES 300 a day. Confirm live rates on arrival.
County public parking
Estimated costKES 100 per day
Best forNairobi non-CBD areas
Non-CBD county parking is quoted at KES 100 a day, payable through NairobiPay or USSD *647#. Confirm signage at the parking bay.
taxi
Estimated costApprox. USD taxi/rideshare from WIL to venue (estimate; confirm before travel)
Best forWilson Airport (WIL) to Impala Club, Ngong’ Road
Approx. 20-35 minutes depending on traffic; Handles mostly domestic and regional flights. International visitors should plan on NBO unless they are connecting from another African city.
Weather
December is one of Nairobi's drier, warmer months, coming after the October-November short rains. Expect daytime highs around 24-27 C and cooler evenings around 13-15 C, with a chance of short afternoon showers. Nairobi sits at roughly 1,795 m, so mornings and evenings can feel cool. Check a live forecast in the week before travel and carry a light rain layer.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Safaricom and Airtel Kenya provide 4G coverage across most of Nairobi, with 5G in parts of Westlands and the city centre. Buy a local SIM or eSIM at NBO on arrival with your passport, or check your home operator's Kenya roaming pack before you fly. M-Pesa mobile money is widely accepted for taxis, parking and small purchases. Confirm venue Wi-Fi with the organiser and carry a power bank for long days.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Greetings
A handshake and a friendly 'Habari' (how are you) go a long way in Nairobi. Use titles and surnames in first meetings unless invited to use first names.
Business dress
Business casual is standard for trade events and smart casual works for evening receptions. Nairobi is at altitude, so bring a light layer for cool mornings and evenings.
Tipping
Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory. Around 10 percent in restaurants and small amounts for porters and drivers are customary.
Money and payments
M-Pesa mobile money is widely used alongside cash and cards. Carry some Kenyan shillings for small purchases, parking and matatu fares.
Safety awareness
Use registered taxis or ride-hail after dark, keep valuables out of sight, and follow hotel or organiser advice on which areas to visit. Avoid walking alone on unlit streets at night.
Food and dining
Kenyan staples include ugali, sukuma wiki and nyama choma, and vegetarian options are widely available in Nairobi. Confirm spice levels and allergies when ordering.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Destination: NBO
Captured Google Flights fares for a 3 December 2026 arrival and 7 December return, economy including taxes and fees: London LHR from KES 102,203 (Air France via Paris) and KES 118,298 nonstop with British Airways; New York JFK from KES 106,249 (Turkish Airlines via Istanbul); Tokyo NRT from KES 145,047 (Etihad via Abu Dhabi); Sydney SYD from KES 197,248 (China Southern via Guangzhou). All captured routes arrive at Nairobi NBO. Fares are per adult, change with availability, and December is a peak travel month, so book early and compare one-stop and nonstop options. Confirm baggage allowances, layover visa rules and airport transfer times before paying.
Visa
All travellers to Kenya must submit information before departure through the Kenya Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) system at evisa.go.ke, which is the official government channel for entry authorisation.
Processing: Varies by nationality; apply several weeks before travel.
The official Kenya eTA portal states that all travellers are required to submit information prior to departure. Confirm the correct authorisation category for business or exhibition attendance on evisa.go.ke before booking flights.
OfficialHotels
Find a stay near the venue with options for every budget.
Check-in (recommended)
2026-12-03
Check-out (recommended)
2026-12-05
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO): Approx. 40-60 minutes depending on traffic; Wilson Airport (WIL): Approx. 20-35 minutes depending on traffic. Allow road or rail time to Impala Club; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Impala Club sits on Ngong Road, south-west of Nairobi's central business district. Hotels in Westlands and Upper Hill are roughly 6-10 km away, typically 20-35 minutes by taxi or ride-hail. Two Rivers is further north-east, roughly 12-16 km and 30-45 minutes. City-centre fringe hotels such as the Fairview are about 5-7 km away. Short hops by ride-hail cost approximately KES 500-900, more at peak times. Ask your hotel for the recommended pickup point and confirm the Impala Club gate with the organiser.
Ride-hail: Uber and Bolt both operate in Nairobi and are the easiest way to reach Impala Club without a car. Request the ride in the app, check the plate and driver name before getting in, and pay by card or M-Pesa. Approximate fares are KES 1,800-3,200 from NBO and KES 500-900 for short hops from Westlands or Upper Hill. Surge pricing applies at rush hour and in heavy rain. Avoid unmarked taxis and agree any street-hailed fare before departure.
Public transit: Nairobi does not have a metro. Public transport is mainly matatu minibuses plus the Nairobi Commuter Rail network, which does not serve Impala Club directly. Matatus along the Ngong Road corridor pass near the venue and cost approximately KES 50-100 per trip, but routes and stages change, so ask hotel staff for the current stage. For most business visitors, ride-hail or a pre-booked taxi is simpler and safer. Allow extra time in morning and evening traffic.
Parking: Impala Club has on-site parking for members and event guests. Confirm availability and any event-day charge with the organiser before driving. Nairobi County charges for public street parking at about KES 300 per day in the CBD and KES 100 outside it, payable through the NairobiPay portal or USSD *647#. Arrive early on the first day, follow marshal directions, and do not leave valuables visible in the car.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: December 2026
Temperature: Approx. 13-27 C (daytime highs around 24-27 C, cooler evenings around 13-15 C)
Seasonality: December follows the October-November short rains and is generally drier, but short afternoon showers are still possible. Nairobi's altitude of roughly 1,795 m keeps mornings and evenings cool.
Packing: Pack light layers, a compact rain jacket or umbrella, sun protection, comfortable walking shoes and business casual clothing for the festival. Bring a UK Type G plug adapter, a power bank and a reusable water bottle. A light sweater is useful for cool evenings and air-conditioned meeting rooms.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at Kenya Food & Drink Festival usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
T-1
Confirm your Kenya eTA and passport validity — Apply only through the official Government of Kenya eTA portal. Check that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond arrival and save an offline copy of the approval.
T-2
Book flights to Nairobi NBO and a hotel — Compare Westlands, Upper Hill and Two Rivers hotels against the Ngong Road venue. Confirm cancellation terms before paying.
T-3
Register for the festival and check access hours — Registration and badge collection details should come from the organiser. Note the opening hours for each day and any trade-only sessions.
T-4
Plan airport transfer and local payment — Pre-book a taxi or download Uber or Bolt. Carry some Kenyan shillings and set up M-Pesa if you can, as it is widely used for small payments.
T-5
Check the December forecast and pack accordingly — Nairobi days are warm but mornings and evenings can be cool. Bring light layers, a compact rain jacket and comfortable shoes.
T-6
Map the route to Impala Club on Ngong Road — Plan to arrive 45-60 minutes before your first session to allow for traffic, security checks and badge collection.
T-7
Confirm hotel-to-venue transport and charge devices — Ask your hotel about taxi or ride-hail pickup points. Pack a UK Type G plug adapter and a power bank.
T-8
Prepare your event kit — Pack business cards, a reusable water bottle, a notebook and any meeting confirmations. Save the organiser's contact details offline.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at Impala Club, Ngong’ Road
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2Kenya Food & Drink Festival registration concourse
Impala Club, Ngong’ Road
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Impala Club, Ngong’ Road
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 nights$190.00
- Per diem × 2$150.00
Estimated total$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 Kenya Food & Drink Festival fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
For Kenya Food & Drink Festival, 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 Fresh and packaged food products and Beverages including wines, spirits, and sof solutions and benchmarking suppliers at Kenya Food & Drink Festival in Nairobi.
Min. budget
$450.00
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 Fresh and packaged food products and Beverages including wines, spirits, and sof products who need qualified meetings with the event's trade audience.
Min. budget
$2,200.00
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
Glossary
- Agri-food value chain
- The chain from farm production and aggregation through processing, ingredients, packaging, distribution and retail or food service. At a food-sector gathering such as AFMASS, the processing and packaging links are usually where most exhibitor conversations sit.
- Food processing and manufacturing
- Industrial conversion of raw agricultural produce into shelf-stable or ready-to-eat food and beverage products. Equipment, ingredients, hygiene systems and packaging are the core categories discussed at the festival.
- Milling and baking
- Milling turns cereals such as maize, wheat and rice into flour and feed; baking converts flour and other ingredients into bread, biscuits and pastries. Both are major buyer segments in East Africa's food economy.
- Cold chain
- Temperature-controlled storage and transport from production to retail or food service. For perishable and chilled products, cold-chain reliability is often the difference between a viable export and a rejected consignment.
- HORECA
- Shorthand for Hotels, Restaurants and Cafes, the food-service channel that buys ingredients, equipment and packaging in bulk. Nairobi's growing restaurant and hotel sector makes HORECA a key audience for food manufacturers.
- FMCG
- Fast-Moving Consumer Goods, including packaged foods, drinks and household products sold through retail. FMCG buyers look for consistent quality, shelf life, attractive packaging and reliable supply.
- HACCP
- Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points, a food-safety management system used to identify and control biological, chemical and physical hazards in production. Buyers and regulators often ask suppliers for a HACCP plan or equivalent certification.
- KEBS conformity
- Kenya Bureau of Standards conformity assessment for products sold in Kenya. Imported food, beverages and packaging may need KEBS permits or standards marks, so exporters should confirm requirements with their freight forwarder before shipping samples.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- Nairobi food festival
- food and drink events in Kenya
- culinary festivals in Africa
- hospitality events in Nairobi
- Kenya Food & Drink Festival 2026
- Kenya Food 2026
- Kenya Food & Drink Festival Nairobi 2026
- Kenya Food Nairobi 2026
- Nairobi Kenya
- Food & Beverage Festival Nairobi 2026
1 more alternate names hidden
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Sources
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References
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Publishers
0
Date checked
1
AFMASS
- 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.