A Five-Day Nairobi Itinerary Around Big 5 Construct Kenya

Big 5 Construct Kenya runs from Wednesday 21 to Friday 23 October 2026, 10:00 to 17:00 each day, at Sarit Expo Centre in Westlands (see our main guide). This five-day plan gives you an arrival day, three focused show days and a final day to depart or extend. Adjust it to your role: stand staff will spend more time at the venue, visitors less.

Day 1: Tuesday 20 October, arrival

• Arrive at JKIA and take a pre-booked transfer (45–75 minutes to Karen, depending on traffic). See Planning Your Nairobi Arrival.
• Note: today is Mashujaa Day, a public holiday. Many offices are closed, so do not plan client meetings.
• Check in from 12:00 at Karen Plains Hotel. If you land early, we can store your bags.
• Afternoon: rest, set up mobile data, and confirm your registration. If you are exhibiting, confirm your build-up arrangements with the organiser.
• Evening: an early dinner in Karen (our Karen restaurant guide has ideas) and a quiet night.

Day 2: Wednesday 21 October, opening day

• 7:00: breakfast.
• Morning: leave for Westlands, allowing for peak traffic (see our daily journey guide). Exhibitors should leave earlier.
• 10:00–13:00: walk the show floor. Use the exhibitor directory to prioritise stands by sector and country.
• Afternoon: attend a Big 5 Talk. The organiser lists 25+ CPD-certified sessions across architecture and design, project management, technology, sustainability and contractor tracks.
• Evening: networking dinner in Westlands, then return to Karen once traffic eases.

Day 3: Thursday 22 October, meetings day

• Morning: scheduled meetings on the show floor with suppliers or distributors.
• Midday: a working lunch near the venue.
• Afternoon: follow-up visits to shortlisted stands, or an off-site meeting in Westlands or Upper Hill.
• Evening: if you need a quiet space for a private client conversation, Karen Plains Hotel's boardroom or lounge can be booked in advance.

Day 4: Friday 23 October, final show day

• Morning: last visits, talks and contract conversations. The organiser notes that the show's final day also hosts Students' Talks, so expect more visitors.
• 17:00: the show closes. Exhibitors move into breakdown.
• Evening: team dinner and a debrief: leads captured, follow-ups assigned.

Day 5: Saturday 24 October, depart or extend

If you are flying home

• Check-out is by 10:00. Luggage storage is available if your flight is later.
• Allow plenty of time for the drive to JKIA and airport security.

If you can stay a little longer

• Early morning: a half-day Nairobi National Park game drive, minutes from Karen. Wildlife is most active early.
• 11:00: the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust elephant nursery visit (11:00–12:00 daily, advance booking required directly with the Trust).
• Afternoon: the Giraffe Centre and Karen Blixen Museum tour.

More ideas are in Extend Your Big 5 Trip: Things to Do Around Karen. If you are heading to the Masai Mara, see our safari planning guide.

Adapting the plan

• Setup crews: add Monday 19 October as an arrival day and consider staying closer to the venue for build-up and breakdown.
• Buyers on a tight schedule: two show days are often enough. Use the third for meetings across the city.
• Longer trips: see Combining Big 5 with Business Meetings in Nairobi.

Planning your Big 5 stay? Check live availability and book direct, or send your dates and team size to info@karenplainshotel.com or WhatsApp +254 796 989 928. Our front desk is open 24/7.

Frequently asked questions

How many days do I need for Big 5 Construct Kenya?

The show runs for three days. Most international visitors plan four to five nights to allow for arrival and departure, and exhibitors often need extra nights for build-up and breakdown.

What should I do on Mashujaa Day, 20 October?

Use it as your arrival and rest day. It is a public holiday, so many offices are closed.

Can I visit Nairobi National Park after the show?

Yes. It is close to Karen, and half-day game drives fit easily into a Saturday before an evening flight.