County Supports Nairobi Entrepreneurs With Micro-Loan Programs

The Nairobi City County Government has launched a micro‑loan programme to support small business owners across the city through its Biashara Stimulus Programme, offering business loans at single‑digit interest rates. The initiative, announced by the Business and Hustler Opportunities Sector, aims to reduce financing barriers for micro and small enterprises (MSEs) and help them grow into sustainable and medium‑sized businesses. Under the scheme, registered MSE traders—either individually or in groups of five or more—are eligible to access credit from June 2024. The County plans to subsidize interest rates so that beneficiaries pay much lower rates than typical commercial lending terms. This micro-loan fund is part of a broader KSh 4 billion economic stimulus package dedicated to the Business & Hustler Opportunities sector over five years, aiming to strengthen working capital support, capacity building, and market linkages for local enterprises.
Early reactions from the business community have been favorable. Local entrepreneurs expressed relief at the prospect of affordable financing, calling it a timely intervention to help them survive rising costs and scale operations. County officials emphasized that the programme will target all 17 sub-counties to ensure equitable access, and will be paired with business training to improve financial management among recipients. Looking ahead, the county expects the micro‑loan programme to significantly boost entrepreneurship and job creation in Nairobi. By offering accessible credit and business development support, officials believe the initiative will fuel economic resilience, formalize informal businesses, and accelerate inclusive growth across the city.