Nairobi County Launches Ambitious Sh4 Billion ‘Biashara’ Stimulus for SMEs
NAIROBI, Kenya – The Nairobi City County Government has officially launched a monumental Sh4 billion Biashara Stimulus Programme, a direct financial intervention aimed at revitalizing the capital’s crucial Micro and Small Enterprise (MSE) sector. Announced by Governor Johnson Sakaja at City Hall, the landmark initiative is designed to provide affordable, accessible credit and comprehensive business support to thousands of struggling and aspiring entrepreneurs. The programme positions itself as a cornerstone of the county’s economic recovery strategy, seeking to spur job creation, foster innovation, and boost Nairobi’s local revenue base through enterprise formalization.
The comprehensive programme is structured around three key pillars: accessible low-interest loan facilities, targeted capacity-building grants, and mandatory business development training. A significant portion of the fund is earmarked for youth, women, and persons with disabilities, with a streamlined digital application portal intended to reduce bureaucratic barriers. Our jua kali artisans, market traders, and small shop owners are the true engine of Nairobi’s economy. This Sh4 billion commitment is more than capital; it is a belief in their potential and a structured plan to unlock it, stated Governor Sakaja during the launch event, which was attended by MSE representatives from all 17 sub-counties.
Reaction from the business community has been one of optimistic anticipation, mixed with calls for transparent and equitable implementation. This is precisely the kind of bold intervention we have been advocating for, said Jane Muthoni, chair of a cooperative of women food vendors in Eastleigh. However, history is littered with good programmes that failed at the point of disbursement. The county must ensure the funds reach the genuine, hustling business owner, not just the connected few. Analysts note that the programme’s success hinges on its governance structure, including robust vetting processes to ensure creditworthiness and prevent political patronage.
Looking ahead, the county administration has pledged that an independent committee will oversee the fund’s allocation and management, with regular public audits. If executed effectively, the Biashara Stimulus Programme could dramatically increase the survival and growth rates of Nairobi’s SMEs, leading to greater economic resilience and a more vibrant informal sector. The initiative sets a high bar for devolved economic development, with other counties likely to watch closely as Nairobi rolls out one of the largest county-led SME financial packages in recent memory.