The County Government of Kitui has intensified preparations for the upcoming Kitui Agricultural Show, Trade and Investment Expo (KASTIE) 2026 by engaging the State Department for Foreign Affairs to help attract international investors and delegates to the county.
A county delegation led by County Executive Committee Members (CECMs) Dr. Stephen Mbaya Kimwele (Agriculture and Livestock), Rose Mutuku (Trade, Industry, MSMEs, Innovation and Cooperatives), and Richard Mwendandu (Environment, Climate Change, Forestry, Energy and Natural Resources) today held two consultative meetings with officials from the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs.
The meetings were chaired by Ambassador Josphat K. Maikara, EBS, Director-General for Political and Diplomatic Affairs, and Ambassador Isaiya Kabira, MBS, Secretary for Diaspora Investments, Skills and Entrepreneurship, representing the State Department for Foreign Affairs and the State Department for Diaspora Affairs, respectively.
The delegation sought the ministry’s support in mobilizing embassies and high commissions to encourage international investors and delegates to participate in KASTIE 2026 and invest in Kitui County. The county also requested assistance in identifying Kenyans in the diaspora interested in investing in Kenya and attending the Expo, which is scheduled to take place from Thursday, September 24 to Saturday, September 26, 2026.
The Expo is expected to provide a platform for showcasing Kitui County’s investment opportunities and strengthening partnerships with both local and international stakeholders.
During the meetings, the county officials acknowledged the critical role played by the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs in advancing Kenya’s foreign relations, economic diplomacy, and international trade and investment partnerships. They noted that collaboration with the ministry would be instrumental in positioning Kitui as a preferred investment destination.
The County Government of Kitui is currently implementing strategic initiatives aimed at unlocking its economic potential, promoting sustainable investments, and strengthening value chains across key sectors, including agriculture and agribusiness, renewable energy, mining, manufacturing, trade, and enterprise development, in line with Governor Dr. Julius Malombe’s development agenda.
KASTIE 2026 is expected to bring together investors, development partners, exhibitors, government agencies, and business leaders from across the globe to explore the vast economic opportunities available in Kitui County and contribute to its socio-economic transformation.
http://
GoK Communication Department
Thursday, 4 June 2026.
