County Expands Nairobi Export Incentives Program

In a bid to boost exports and support local manufacturers, Nairobi City County has joined a national push to expand export-oriented incentives, offering businesses in the city enhanced support to tap into regional and international markets. The county’s move follows a joint meeting with the State Department for Trade, where they agreed to streamline trade and investment frameworks that benefit exporters operating within the capital.
Under the expanded programme, enterprises operating in designated export zones — such as those under the Export Processing Zones Authority (EPZA) — can benefit from fiscal incentives, including tax holidays, exemption from import duties and VAT on inputs, and capital-expenditure deductions for machinery and buildings. For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), EPZA’s SME Development Programme offers even more tailored support: reduced rent rates or rent-free periods at warehouse facilities, business-development services, and simplified licensing — making it easier for small exporters to scale without prohibitive initial costs.
Industry stakeholders say the expanded incentives could significantly lower the cost of doing business and enhance competitiveness of Nairobi-based manufacturers in export markets. Analysts expect that improved access to export-oriented fiscal benefits and infrastructure will encourage more firms in sectors such as garments, agro-processing, leather goods and light manufacturing to formalize operations and increase production. Experts also note that such incentives help Kenya meet wider national goals under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which emphasises value-addition, job creation, and inclusive economic growth.
Looking ahead, Nairobi County and national trade authorities plan to roll out awareness campaigns to ensure exporters are informed about the benefits, simplify application procedures, and monitor compliance. They also plan to leverage regional trade frameworks to ease export flows. If implementation proceeds smoothly, the expansion of the export incentives programme could help transform Nairobi into a regional export hub — creating jobs, boosting foreign-exchange earnings, and strengthening Kenya’s manufacturing base.