County Supports Women Entrepreneurs With Nairobi Grants

Nairobi County launched a dedicated Women Entrepreneurs Grant Program to empower female-led businesses and strengthen their participation in the local and global economy. The initiative was unveiled as part of the county’s broader Business Growth and Innovation Agenda, which prioritizes inclusivity, sustainability, and digital transformation. County officials emphasized that supporting women entrepreneurs is central to Kenya’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which seeks to expand opportunities for marginalized groups.
The Nairobi Grants provide seed funding, low-interest loans, and incubation support for women-owned SMEs and startups. The program also includes training in digital skills, financial management, and export readiness, ensuring that women entrepreneurs can scale their businesses and access new markets. By embedding grants into the county’s innovation ecosystem, Nairobi aims to reduce barriers such as limited access to capital and mentorship, which have historically constrained women-led enterprises.
Entrepreneurs welcomed the initiative, noting that it addresses critical challenges faced by women in business, including financing gaps, limited networking opportunities, and underrepresentation in high-growth sectors. Analysts argue that the grants are particularly transformative for Nairobi’s economy, as they enable women to drive innovation, create jobs, and contribute to sustainable development. The program complements earlier initiatives such as the Nairobi Innovation Fund (March 2025) and the Green Business Initiative (October 2025), creating a comprehensive support framework for diverse entrepreneurs.
Looking ahead, Nairobi County plans to expand the Women Entrepreneurs Grant Program by integrating green financing tools, AI-driven training platforms, and partnerships with international development agencies. Officials believe that by embedding gender inclusivity into business development, Nairobi can accelerate economic growth, attract investment, and reinforce its role as East Africa’s entrepreneurial hub.