County Launches Nairobi Business Accelerator Program

August 2025, Nairobi County unveiled the Business Accelerator Program, a strategic initiative designed to empower startups and SMEs by providing them with seed funding, mentorship, and access to investor networks. The program was introduced through the Sustainable Innovation Seed Accelerator, part of the UNDP’s Timbuktoo initiative, which focuses on building sustainability-driven enterprises across Africa.
The accelerator program targets startups in sectors such as agriculture, mobility, energy, and the built environment, offering an 8-week structured incubation process. Entrepreneurs receive training in digital transformation, financial management, and export readiness, alongside opportunities to pitch to venture capital firms and development partners. Nairobi County emphasized that the program aligns with Kenya’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which prioritizes SME empowerment and innovation-led growth.
Entrepreneurs have welcomed the program, noting that it helps overcome challenges such as limited access to capital, weak networks, and lack of technical expertise. Analysts argue that the accelerator is transformative for Nairobi’s startup ecosystem, as it embeds sustainability into business models while connecting local enterprises to global markets. The program complements earlier initiatives such as the Business Growth Program (October 2025) and the Jericho Technology Incubation Hub (October 7, 2025), creating a comprehensive support framework for entrepreneurs.
Looking ahead, Nairobi County plans to expand the accelerator by integrating AI-powered learning platforms, green financing tools, and partnerships with international investors. Officials believe that by embedding acceleration into SME development, Nairobi can accelerate job creation, attract foreign investment, and reinforce its role as East Africa’s innovation hub.