Eldoret to Host Biggest-Ever International Business Summit as Over 10,000 Delegates Converge for EIBS 2026

By Wasike Elvis

 Eldoret City is preparing to host what is expected to be the largest business gathering in the North Rift as the 4th Eldoret International Business Summit (EIBS) 2026 gets underway, bringing together more than 10,000 delegates from Kenya and beyond.

The three-day summit has grown into the region's flagship business and investment forum, attracting policymakers, investors, entrepreneurs, manufacturers, development partners, innovators and business executives seeking new partnerships and investment opportunities.

According to Uasin Gishu Chamber Chairperson Willy K. Kenei, this year's summit will be the biggest edition since its inception, reflecting Eldoret's rapid emergence as one of Kenya's leading centres for commerce, manufacturing, innovation and regional trade.

"This year's summit promises to be our biggest yet, bringing together over 10,000 delegates, more than 100 exhibitors, governors from the eight North Rift counties, Cabinet and Principal Secretaries, CEOs of state corporations, business executives, investors, development partners and entrepreneurs from across Kenya and beyond," Kenei said.

He noted that as Eldoret continues to strengthen its position as a city and gateway to regional and international trade, the summit provides an important platform for dialogue, partnerships and economic transformation.

Three Days of Investment, Innovation and Networking

Day One: Opening Ceremony and Business Engagement

The summit will officially open with a high-profile ceremony attended by national and county government leaders, followed by panel discussions focusing on trade, investment, manufacturing and economic development.

The first day will also feature a Youth and Women Empowerment and Mentorship Forum, aimed at equipping young entrepreneurs and women with practical business skills and networking opportunities.

Young innovators and start-ups will also take centre stage during the Innovation Challenge, where participants will showcase innovative business ideas and technologies with the potential to transform industries and create jobs.

Delegates will further benefit from structured business-to-business (B2B) networking sessions designed to connect investors, entrepreneurs and corporate leaders.

One of the day's highlights will be a keynote address on succession planning and building sustainable businesses, focusing on ensuring business continuity across generations.

Activities will conclude with an evening cocktail reception featuring networking opportunities and live entertainment.

Day Two: Driving the North Rift Economy Forward

The second day will focus on strategies to unlock the North Rift's economic potential through discussions on investment, industrialisation, infrastructure development, agriculture, tourism, innovation and regional trade.

Organisers say these discussions are expected to generate practical solutions that will strengthen the region's competitiveness and position it as Kenya's gateway to East African markets.

The day's activities will culminate in the Grand Gala Dinner, which will be graced by Principal Secretary for Industry Dr. Juma Mukhwana, alongside chief executives of key government agencies, industry leaders, investors and development partners.

The gala will celebrate partnerships forged during the summit while showcasing investment opportunities available across the North Rift region.

Day Three: Golf, Business and Lasting Partnerships

The summit will conclude with the EIBS Golf Tournament at Eldoret Club, bringing together golfers, sponsors, business executives and professionals in an informal setting designed to strengthen business relationships.

Organisers say the tournament offers an ideal platform for meaningful conversations, strategic networking and investment discussions before the event officially closes with a networking dinner and prize presentation.

More Than Just a Conference

Kenei emphasized that the Eldoret International Business Summit has evolved into much more than a business conference.

"It is a platform where ideas become investments, conversations become partnerships and opportunities become successful businesses," he said.

He added that the summit is open to investors, entrepreneurs, exhibitors, policymakers, innovators, students, professionals and development partners seeking to be part of the region's economic transformation.

With Eldoret increasingly positioning itself as a regional hub for trade, logistics, manufacturing and innovation, the summit is expected to play a key role in attracting new investments, strengthening public-private partnerships and accelerating economic growth across the North Rift.

Among those expected to attend are the Managing Director of Centum, the keynote speaker, Uasin Gishu Governor Dr. Jonathan Bii, the Managing Director of Centum, AAR Insurance CEO Mr. Justin Kosgei, the Chairman of EPZA, the CEO of KenTrade, the Chamber President, Governors and County Executive Committee (CEC) Members from the North Rift Economic Bloc (NOREB), the County Commissioner, moderator Ms. Nancy Muthoni, the CEO of Kenya Seed, Mr. Girish Khetia, Managing Director of Khetia Drapers, among other distinguished guests.

As final preparations enter the home stretch, organisers have extended an invitation to stakeholders from across Kenya and beyond to attend what is expected to be one of the country's biggest business and investment events of 2026, with a simple message: Join Eldoret and be part of shaping the future of trade, innovation and investment in Kenya.