County Expands Nairobi Business Mentorship Programs

Nairobi County expanded its Business Mentorship Programs to provide stronger support for SMEs, startups, and women-led enterprises. The initiative was introduced under the county’s Business Growth Program, which emphasizes mentorship, training, and access to networks as key drivers of entrepreneurship. County officials highlighted that the expansion aligns with Kenya’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which prioritizes inclusive growth and SME empowerment.
The mentorship programs now cover a wider range of sectors, including agribusiness, creative industries, fintech, and green enterprises. Nairobi County partnered with universities, incubators, and private sector organizations to deliver structured mentorship sessions, peer-to-peer learning, and access to experienced business leaders. By embedding mentorship into SME development, the county aims to reduce barriers such as limited knowledge, weak networks, and lack of strategic guidance.
Entrepreneurs have welcomed the expansion, noting that mentorship helps them refine business models, improve market access, and strengthen resilience. Analysts argue that mentorship is particularly transformative for Nairobi’s SMEs, as it bridges gaps in knowledge and connects entrepreneurs to funding opportunities. The program complements earlier initiatives such as the Nairobi Innovation Fund (March 2025), the Digital Training Programs (September 2025), and the Green Business Initiative (October 2025), creating a comprehensive ecosystem for business growth.
Looking ahead, Nairobi County plans to integrate the mentorship programs with AI-powered learning platforms, export readiness training, and global investor networks. Officials believe that by embedding mentorship into entrepreneurship, Nairobi can accelerate job creation, attract investment, and reinforce its role as East Africa’s innovation hub.