County Expands Business Incubation Centers in Nairobi

Nairobi City County has officially unveiled a series of new business incubation centers aimed at supporting startups and small enterprises across the city. The flagship facility, the Jericho Incubation Hub in Harambee Ward, will provide young entrepreneurs and innovators with access to mentorship, digital training, and shared workspaces. County officials emphasized that the expansion is part of a broader strategy to nurture Nairobi’s growing innovation ecosystem and foster sustainable economic growth.
The initiative, backed by the County Government and development partners, seeks to strengthen entrepreneurship by offering critical infrastructure and resources for emerging businesses. These incubation centers are designed to cater to multiple sectors, including light manufacturing, technology, creative arts, and food processing. The Jericho Hub, which officially opened its doors on 27 October, includes modern co-working spaces, digital labs, and industry-specific training facilities. The County’s Annual Development Plan for FY 2023/24 highlights a commitment to establish similar centers across all wards, ensuring that innovators citywide can access business support services closer to their communities.
The response from the local business community has been overwhelmingly positive, with startups welcoming the opportunity to gain practical guidance, networking opportunities, and mentorship from both local and international experts. Entrepreneurs expect that these hubs will reduce barriers to entry, lower operational costs, and enhance their chances of securing funding. Government officials also stressed that the program will create jobs, boost innovation, and position Nairobi as a leading regional hub for entrepreneurship. Looking ahead, the county plans to integrate more technology-driven services, expand partnerships with universities and private sector players, and roll out specialized programs targeting youth, women, and informal sector participants, setting the stage for a vibrant, inclusive, and digitally empowered business ecosystem.