Livestock farmers, breeders and agribusiness players from six East African countries are set to convene in Nairobi for one of the region’s largest livestock exhibitions, aimed at advancing modern animal production, trade and regional collaboration.
Dubbed Six Nations Livestock Genetics & Equipment Tech Expo, the two-day expo is scheduled to take place from 11th to 12th September 2026 at Kinga Resort along Mombasa Road, Athi River.
The event, currently in its second edition, will bring together participants from Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Somalia, South Sudan and Ethiopia.
The exhibition will showcase elite imported and locally bred livestock genetics, modern livestock equipment and emerging technologies that are transforming the livestock value chain.
Demonstrations will cover artificial insemination and embryo transfer technologies, vaccination programmes, feedlot management, total mixed ration (TMR) feeding systems, animal nutrition, fodder and pasture management, digital livestock technologies, animal identification and traceability systems.
Other activities will include discussions on animal health, breeding, and livestock policy, as well as mentorship programmes for young farmers and recognition of women making significant contributions to the livestock industry.
The exhibition comes as Kenya accelerates the transition from traditional pastoralism to commercially driven livestock production.
Growing urbanisation, rising incomes and increasing demand for livestock products are some of the factors encouraging farmers to commercialise production.
The shift is being supported by government initiatives, including a Sh5 billion programme aimed at helping pastoralists form business groups and improve access to markets, while positioning the country as a regional livestock trade hub serving Africa and Middle Eastern markets.
Kenya’s livestock industry has long been one of the country’s most important agricultural pillars, supporting millions of livelihoods, contributing significantly to food security and serving as a key driver of rural economies.
According to the Association of Kenya Feed Manufacturers (AKEFEMA) Chairman Joseph Karuri, the sector contributes about 3 percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), 40 percent of agricultural GDP and approximately 22 percent of the national food system while supporting millions of livelihoods.
Story behind the Six Nations Livestock Genetics & Equipment Expo
The Six Nations Livestock Genetics & Equipment Expo was established to address persistent market and modern breeding technology gaps in the livestock sector.
According to Henry Kioko, a livestock importer and the event coordinator, while many local breeders possessed high-quality animals with proven pedigrees, they had limited opportunities to connect with buyers beyond their immediate communities.
The realization led to the establishment of a platform that would not only expand market access but also introduce farmers to the latest advances in livestock breeding and farm mechanisation.
The recent restrictions on importing livestock genetics from South Africa over foot-and-mouth disease concerns have further cemented the event’s objective.
Now entering its second edition, the Six Nations Livestock Genetics & Equipment Expo has evolved into a leading forum for agricultural innovation in East Africa.
Participants will have an opportunity to explore resilient and high-performing livestock genetics from regional breeders, while learning about breeding strategies that can strengthen herd quality without relying solely on imported material.
The exhibition will also feature demonstrations of modern livestock equipment, including automated feeding systems and other technologies designed to improve efficiency and reduce production costs.
Its inaugural edition last year created a regional marketplace where breeders from across East Africa showcased premium livestock and improved breeds to buyers and investors from beyond their traditional markets.
“It is no longer just a trade show; it is a bustling community where ideas are exchanged, deals are sealed, and the future of regional livestock farming is written,’’ Mr. Kioko says.
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