County Launches Nairobi Export Promotion Scheme

Nairobi County unveiled the Nairobi Export Promotion Scheme, a strategic program designed to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) access international markets. The scheme was launched in collaboration with the Kenya Export Promotion and Branding Agency (KEPROBA), which has been spearheading Kenya’s export market development agenda. County officials emphasized that the initiative aligns with Kenya’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which prioritizes trade expansion and SME empowerment as drivers of inclusive growth.
The Export Promotion Scheme focuses on capacity building, financing, and market intelligence. SMEs are provided with training on international trade regulations, digital trade platforms, and compliance standards. The program also offers access to export financing tools, insurance, and mentorship, reducing risks for businesses entering foreign markets. By embedding export readiness into SME development, Nairobi County aims to diversify its economy, create jobs, and strengthen its role as East Africa’s trade hub.
Entrepreneurs have welcomed the scheme, noting that it addresses long-standing barriers such as limited access to capital, lack of global market knowledge, and high transaction costs. Analysts argue that the Nairobi Export Promotion Scheme complements earlier initiatives such as the Export Financing Platform (May 2025) and the Startup Export Readiness Training (October 2025), creating a comprehensive ecosystem for trade facilitation. The program also builds on Kenya’s Export Market Development Programme 2025, which outlines national strategies for expanding market access and promoting sustainable trade practices.
Looking ahead, Nairobi County plans to integrate the Export Promotion Scheme with broader programs such as the Green Business Initiative (October 2025) and the Business Growth Program (October 2025). Officials believe that by combining sustainability, innovation, and trade facilitation, Nairobi can accelerate economic growth, attract investment, and reinforce its position as a gateway economy for Africa.