Governor Launches 2,500 Initiative to Boost Local Economy in Nairobi

Nairobi County is gearing up for the launch of Governor Johnson Sakaja’s Biashara Stimulus Programme, a county-wide economic empowerment initiative targeting thousands of Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs). The programme, expected to begin rolling out across 17 sub-counties and 85 wards, aims to revive struggling businesses, expand credit access, and strengthen livelihoods in the capital city. A strategic planning meeting held in Naivasha brought together key sector leaders and partners to finalize the rollout framework, signalling the administration’s push to fulfil its campaign pledge of uplifting grassroots entrepreneurs.
Speaking during the session, Deputy Governor Njoroge Muchiri emphasized that the programme is a major milestone in delivering the promises made during the 2022 elections. He noted that many indigenous businesses have long been locked out of formal financing, making the stimulus a timely intervention to help them transition from micro-scale operations to sustainable medium-sized enterprises. The meeting also outlined the critical roles of partners such as Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) and the Institute of Certified Start and Improve Your Business (ICST-SIYB), who will support credit delivery, business training, and monitoring of funded enterprises.
Participants at the planning forum expressed optimism about the potential impact of the programme on job creation and economic resilience within Nairobi. Business and Hustler Opportunities Chief Officer and Acting County Secretary, Godfrey Akumali, noted that the initiative was designed not only to inject capital but also to strengthen technical skills and unlock new market opportunities for MSEs. Julius Karina, Director for MSEs, highlighted that the county aims to subsidize interest rates to single-digit levels through strategic partnerships, making credit affordable for traders and artisans whose businesses form the backbone of Nairobi’s informal economy.
The county administration expects the Biashara Stimulus Programme to serve as a long-term catalyst for economic growth, with a collaborative implementation model driven by government departments, financial institutions, and private-sector partners. As preparations advance, officials say the programme will help stabilize enterprises affected by high operational costs and limited financing. With the launch now imminent, the initiative is positioned to reshape Nairobi’s business landscape by easing access to capital, enhancing entrepreneurial capacity, and supporting the county’s broader vision of inclusive economic transformation.