The Kenya Defence Forces has taken the spotlight at the Nairobi International Trade Fair after the Ministry of Defence emerged Overall Best Exhibitor, winning 21 awards across different categories.
The Ministry received the awards during the 2026 trade fair being held at Jamhuri Park in Nairobi from September 28 to October 4.
Among the categories won by the Ministry were Best Manufacturer and Distributor of Telecommunication Devices, Equipment and Services, Best Aviation and Air Transport Stand, Best Energy Services and Conservation Sector Stand and Best Stand in Media Services.
The strong showing has placed the defence sector at the centre of a trade fair traditionally associated with agriculture, manufacturing and commercial enterprises.
The Ministry’s pavilion brings together the Kenya Army, Kenya Air Force and Kenya Navy, alongside agencies operating under the Ministry of Defence.
Visitors have been given an opportunity to interact with military personnel and view displays covering technology, aviation, telecommunications, energy conservation, manufacturing and strategic communication.
Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe toured the Defence pavilion during the official opening of the fair, where he was received by Deputy Army Commander Major General John Nkoimo and Defence National Security Industries Director General Major General Faustino Lobaly.
Kagwe was taken through some of the technologies and capabilities displayed by the Ministry.
The 2026 Nairobi International Trade Fair is being held under the theme, “Promoting Climate Smart Agriculture and Trade Initiatives for Sustainable Economic Growth.”
More than 500 exhibitors from agriculture, manufacturing, technology, finance, research and other sectors are participating in this year’s fair, according to the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation.
The Defence Ministry’s participation reflects an expanding role beyond its traditional security mandate, with the military and its agencies involved in areas such as aviation, telecommunications, manufacturing and technology.
The Ministry has in recent years also stepped up efforts to strengthen local defence manufacturing.
In August, the Ministry announced the modernisation of the Kenya Ordnance Factories Corporation, including a new ammunition production line in Eldoret. The programme is expected to increase production capacity by about 35 per cent once completed.
At the trade fair, however, the focus has shifted from military operations to showcasing the wider capabilities and innovations housed within the defence sector.
The Ministry said the 21 awards offered an opportunity to raise public awareness of these activities while demonstrating how defence-related expertise can contribute to areas beyond national security.
