The Kenya National Innovation Agency (KeNIA), under the State Department for Science, Research and Innovation, showcased the role of innovation in driving productivity, enterprise development and sustainable economic growth at the ASK Mombasa International Show 2026.

Held from 2nd to 6th September 2026 at the Jomo Kenyatta Showground in Mkomani, the 123rd edition of the Show brought together government institutions, researchers, innovators, entrepreneurs and industry stakeholders under the theme “Promoting Climate Smart Agriculture and Trade Initiatives for Sustainable Economic Growth.”

The Show was officially opened by Hon. Sen. Mutahi Kagwe, EGH, Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development. In his address, the Cabinet Secretary underscored the importance of productivity, value addition, innovation and market access in advancing Coastal Kenya’s agricultural transformation agenda. He noted that coastal counties have the potential to triple or even quadruple production across key value chains, including coconut, cashew nuts, cassava, cotton, milk and meat.

Under the leadership of Prof. Shaukat Abdulrazak, EBS, Principal Secretary, State Department for Science, Research and Innovation, KeNIA continues to position science, technology, research and innovation as critical enablers of national development.

At the KeNIA exhibition stand, stakeholders explored the Agency’s flagship programmes, including the Research to Commercialisation (R2C) Programme, Institutional Commercialisation Support Programme, Innovation Academy, Presidential Innovation Awards and the Centre of Excellence for Innovation and Leadership (CEIL) Summit. These programmes highlight KeNIA’s work across the innovation ecosystem from building institutional capacity for commercialisation and developing innovation skills to recognising promising solutions and supporting the move of research and innovations towards the market.

Innovators also presented their solutions to potential partners, investors and other ecosystem actors, creating opportunities for collaboration and strengthening commercialisation pathways.

KeNIA’s presence at the Show reinforced the importance of connecting research, innovation, enterprises and markets to build a more productive and competitive economy. The Agency remains committed to turning research and ideas into scalable, market-oriented solutions and enterprises that create jobs, generate wealth and deliver tangible national impact.