County Launches Program to Digitize Nairobi Manufacturing Processes

Nairobi County’s Innovation and Digital Economy Sector announced a cohesive vision for tech‑driven growth, aligning with Governor Johnson Sakaja’s manifesto. The initiative brings together the Digital Economy and Startups sub‑sector, ICT Infrastructure, and Smart Nairobi programs to create a unified path for innovation‑led industrial transformation. This program specifically targets manufacturing firms, encouraging them to adopt digital tools that streamline operations and reduce costs.
Research has shown that manufacturing firms in Nairobi face challenges such as high operational costs, inefficient production processes, and stiff competition. A study published in 2024 highlighted that digital innovation strategies significantly improve performance by enhancing productivity, reducing waste, and enabling firms to compete globally. The county’s new program builds on these findings, offering training, incentives, and partnerships to help manufacturers digitize their workflows.
The program also ties into Nairobi’s broader digital readiness agenda. In collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Nairobi conducted its first subnational Digital Readiness Assessment in June 2024, laying the groundwork for becoming a smart and digital hub. By digitizing manufacturing processes, the county aims to integrate industries into this vision, ensuring that factories and SMEs benefit from smart technologies, data analytics, and automation.
Experts believe the initiative will not only boost industrial competitiveness but also create jobs and attract foreign investment. By embedding digital innovation into manufacturing, Nairobi is positioning itself as a leader in sustainable, tech‑driven industrialization in Africa. The county’s program is expected to accelerate Kenya’s economic growth while ensuring that local industries remain resilient in an increasingly digital global economy.