County Launches Nairobi Business Innovation Fund

Nairobi County has intensified efforts to support local entrepreneurs and small businesses through the expansion of innovation funding programs. The county’s initiative, aligned with the broader Biashara Fund framework, aims to provide accessible finance, mentorship, and business development support to startups and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). By facilitating affordable loans, grants, and skill-building programs, the county intends to stimulate innovation, increase productivity, and create a more resilient business ecosystem in Kenya’s capital.
The fund specifically targets Nairobi-based startups and SMEs across sectors such as technology, manufacturing, creative industries, and agribusiness. Participants can access single-digit interest loans and digital tools to enhance operational efficiency, while also benefiting from mentorship programs organized in partnership with local and international experts. The initiative also incorporates a competitive grant mechanism where businesses presenting innovative solutions to market challenges can receive seed capital, boosting their capacity to scale operations and enter regional and international markets.
Local business owners and startup founders have welcomed the initiative, noting that access to such funding has historically been a major challenge. Entrepreneurs highlight that the program not only provides financial support but also equips them with crucial skills in digital marketing, product development, and compliance with export standards. Observers say these interventions are likely to strengthen Nairobi’s position as a regional hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, with potential spillover benefits for employment creation and the city’s overall economic growth.