County Expands Export Support For Nairobi SMEs

Nairobi County expanded its support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) engaged in export activities, introducing new financing tools, training programs, and partnerships to help businesses access global markets. The initiative was unveiled during the GTR East Africa 2025 Conference (May 21–22, 2025) in Nairobi, where county officials emphasized the importance of export readiness in strengthening Kenya’s trade competitiveness.
The expanded support includes export financing platforms, trade facilitation services, and mentorship programs designed to help SMEs navigate international regulations, logistics, and compliance requirements. Nairobi County also partnered with banks and development agencies to provide affordable credit and insurance solutions, reducing risks for businesses entering foreign markets. These measures complement earlier initiatives such as the EU–Kenya Business Forum (May 12–13, 2025), which focused on digitalising trade and enhancing SME participation in cross-border commerce.
Entrepreneurs welcomed the expansion, noting that access to export financing and training addresses long-standing barriers such as limited capital, lack of global market knowledge, and high transaction costs. Analysts argue that by embedding export support into SME development, Nairobi can accelerate job creation, diversify its economy, and reinforce its role as East Africa’s trade hub. However, stakeholders caution that sustained implementation and transparency in financing allocation will be critical to ensure long-term success.
Looking ahead, Nairobi County plans to integrate export support with broader programs such as the Nairobi Innovation Fund (March 2025) and the Green Business Initiative (October 2025). Officials believe that by combining innovation, sustainability, and trade facilitation, Nairobi can create a resilient SME ecosystem capable of competing globally. If sustained, the county’s export support framework could serve as a model for other regions in Kenya.