2026 Kenya (Nairobi) International Auto Parts Exhibition – AutoExpo Africa 2026

2026 Kenya (Nairobi) International Auto Parts Exhibition

AutoExpo Africa 2026

I. Exhibition Overview

Exhibition Dates: June 3–5, 2026

Exhibition Venue: Nairobi

Organizer: Expogroup

Exhibition frequency: once a year

II. Exhibition Overview

The Kenya Auto Expo is the largest and most successful specialized trade fair for automotive parts and accessories, as well as motorcycles and related products in Kenya, and has become the premier gateway for global auto‑parts manufacturers seeking to enter the East African market. Held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), located in the heart of Nairobi—the region’s leading international exhibition venue—the event has been successfully staged 22 times to date. As one of Africa’s largest auto‑parts exhibitions, the Kenya Auto Expo draws not only domestic Kenyan exhibitors but also traders and importers from neighboring countries.

III. Exhibit Scope

1. Automotive parts and accessories, as well as automotive repair and maintenance products and equipment;

2. Wheels, in-vehicle entertainment, and audio systems;

3. Automotive processing products, gas station equipment, battery power supplies, air conditioning and refrigeration, and automotive accessories;

4. Brake systems, electromechanical systems, engines, tools, coatings, and safety systems;

5. Motorcycle parts, etc.

IV. Market Overview

Rapid industrialization and modernization have swept through many African countries, driving increased demand for capital goods such as machinery, lubricants, spare parts, ball bearings, and other automotive components and accessories. In particular, the automotive parts market has seen a 30% rise in imports across Africa, presenting an attractive opportunity for global exporters.

For more than 20 years, automotive manufacturers and exporters worldwide have relied on the Africa Expo as a precise platform for entering the African market.

On the occasion of its 22nd anniversary, the leading trade fair for automobiles, trucks, and automotive parts, equipment, components, accessories, tools, and services continues to bring together the world’s foremost manufacturers, suppliers, and service providers in one of the most important markets worldwide.

Prime location

Kenya enjoys a distinct geographical advantage, with its ports exerting strong trade‑driving influence over neighboring countries. Many traders from Ethiopia, Somalia, Sudan, Uganda, and other nations conduct their procurement through Kenya. Situated along Africa’s eastern coastline, Kenya has a population of approximately 32 million and shares borders with Somalia to the east, Ethiopia to the north, Sudan to the northwest, Uganda to the west, and Tanzania to the south. It serves as a key maritime gateway to East and Central Africa and is home to the region’s largest deep‑water port, Mombasa. Located on the East African Plateau and straddling the equator, Kenya lies along the southeastern coast of the Indian Ocean and borders Tanzania, Uganda, Sudan, Ethiopia, and Somalia. As a major trade hub in East Africa, Kenya has experienced rapid economic growth since independence and is among the better‑off economies in sub-Saharan Africa.

Kenya has introduced incentive policies to boost the development of its local automotive assembly industry.

With the successful rollout of the compact family car, the Vivo Polo, assembled in Kenya through Volkswagen’s investment, the country continues to introduce incentive policies to boost the development of its automotive assembly industry.

Recently, Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, while inspecting Volkswagen’s production line, announced that government departments and relevant agencies will be required to procure locally manufactured Vivo Polos in bulk, pledging a minimum annual purchase of at least 300 vehicles. He also expressed hope that county governments would similarly prioritize the procurement of locally produced cars.

It is reported that, each year, government procurement accounts for one-quarter of Kenya’s total new‑car purchases. In addition to this public‑sector support, Kenya recently abolished the 20% excise tax on locally manufactured vehicles. This measure helps reduce production costs, giving domestic cars a price advantage over cheaper imported used vehicles.

The automotive and auto parts market is enormous.

Kenya is a major economic hub on the African continent; among the five East African countries, its GDP surpasses the combined total of Tanzania and the other four. Among Africa’s 54 nations, Kenya ranks as the fourth-largest economy, behind South Africa, Nigeria, and Angola. Transportation is predominantly by car and motorcycle, serving a market of 380 million consumers across East Africa. With 80% of vehicles being used cars and road conditions generally poor, vehicle wear and tear is significant, driving strong demand for auto parts and leaving ample room for growth.

Africa is an important market for China’s exports.

Kenya maintains a stable exchange rate and has no foreign‑exchange controls, allowing foreign‑invested companies to freely remit profits in and out of the country. Investment costs in Kenya are relatively low, which is another favorable factor for Chinese enterprises looking to invest there.

Constrained by its own economic development and purchasing power, used cars dominate Kenya’s automotive market. For years, secondhand vehicles imported from Japan, Europe, and North America have been a common sight on Kenyan roads. Many of these used cars are in poor condition, posing significant safety risks, and they typically lack adequate after-sales maintenance and repair services. The Kenyan government has introduced measures aimed at regulating both the quantity and quality of imported used vehicles. This presents a favorable opportunity for Chinese companies to enter Kenya’s auto market: domestically produced mid-range and entry-level commercial and agricultural vehicles are well-suited to the Kenyan market, offering advantages in quality and service compared with imported used cars. Moreover, Kenya serves as a regional hub with considerable influence over neighboring East African markets; domestic or locally established Chinese automakers and authorized dealers can leverage Kenya as a platform to expand into surrounding markets.

Why Choose the Kenya Auto Parts Exhibition?

Kenya’s largest and most successful trade fair for automobiles and automotive accessories, as well as motorcycles and motorcycle accessories.

As Kenya’s largest and most successful specialized auto and motorcycle show, it is held annually in Kenya and has now reached its 21st edition. With high brand recognition, excellent exhibition results, and robust promotional efforts by the organizers, this event is a must‑attend for the automotive parts industry. The fair brings together key decision‑makers from across Africa, showcasing over 10,000 products, equipment, and machinery from nearly 30 countries. Trade visitors from all regions of the country, as well as from East and Central Africa, are invited to attend. Meanwhile, trade organizations from Tanzania, Ethiopia, Uganda, Somalia, Mozambique, Zaire, and other nations and regions will also take part in the exhibition.

High degree of internationalization: 91% of exhibitors expressed satisfaction with the fair, and 89% indicated they will participate again in the next edition. Although Kenya is one of Africa’s largest markets, the event continues to focus on attracting traders and importers from neighboring countries. Based on feedback from past exhibitors, nearly 80–85% of international attendees have confirmed that the fair has contributed to local economic growth and delivered significant benefits.

Highly innovative: It represents the latest industry trends. The event showcases a full range of cutting-edge products and innovative concepts, with exhibits spanning automotive components, wheels, two-wheeled vehicles, three-wheeled vehicles, and more. Both the exhibitors and the attendees demonstrate a high level of expertise.

V. Contact Information

Shandong Zhenghe International Exhibition Co., Ltd.  

Address: Room 905, Building No. 1, Xiangtai Plaza, Yingxiongshan Road, Shizhong District, Jinan City, Shandong Province

Contact: Zheng Xiao Phone: 0531-82726908 / 1885411326