We all carry stories, shaped by our memories, and carried in our laughter, our struggles, and our hopes.

Let’s Be Human is an invitation to honor that shared truth: beneath all our differences, we’re connected by the same fragile, resilient essence.

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This theme is a call to live with honesty, to meet each other with openness, and to embrace the full spectrum of what it means to exist—boldly, tenderly, imperfectly, together. It’s not just a sentiment, but a practice: to place people at the heart of design, to use creativity as a bridge for empathy, and to remind ourselves that humanity is both deeply personal and profoundly collective.

Alongside the theme launch, NDW is opening applications for exhibitors, partners, and crew to join the 2026 edition. Open calls will run until November 29th, 2025, offering opportunities for designers, makers, and collaborators across industries to be part of this journey.

The public is invited to experience exhibits, talks, workshops, and collaborations that spotlight both Kenyan and global innovation through design.

“In 2026, we want to center humanity—our stories, our struggles, and our joy,” says Adrian Jankowiak (Creative Director). “Let’s Be Human is a reminder that design is about people first, and that creativity should inspire empathy, connection, and care.”