County Launches Nairobi Business Growth Program

Nairobi County officially launched the Business Growth Program in October 2025, a strategic initiative designed to empower small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), startups, and local entrepreneurs. The program focuses on providing access to financing, mentorship, and digital tools, helping businesses scale operations and compete in regional and global markets. County officials emphasized that the initiative aligns with Kenya’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which prioritizes inclusive economic growth through entrepreneurship.
The program includes capacity-building workshops, incubation hubs, and partnerships with financial institutions to ensure businesses can access affordable credit and training. It also integrates digital transformation support, encouraging enterprises to adopt e-commerce platforms, online payment systems, and cloud-based productivity tools. By embedding innovation into everyday operations, the county aims to reduce barriers for SMEs and strengthen Nairobi’s role as East Africa’s commercial hub.
Entrepreneurs and business associations have welcomed the program, noting that it addresses critical challenges such as limited access to capital, fragmented support systems, and low digital literacy. Analysts argue that the Business Growth Program will help Nairobi businesses expand into new markets, create jobs, and improve competitiveness. However, stakeholders caution that transparency in funding allocation and sustained mentorship will be essential to ensure long-term success.
Looking ahead, Nairobi County plans to expand the program to cover more sectors, including agribusiness, creative industries, and green energy enterprises. Officials believe that by embedding growth-oriented policies into business planning, Nairobi can accelerate innovation, attract investment, and reinforce its position as East Africa’s economic powerhouse. If sustained, the Business Growth Program could serve as a model for other counties across Kenya.