County Launches Nairobi Export Market Intelligence Platform

Nairobi County has unveiled a new Export Market Intelligence Platform designed to help local businesses access global markets more effectively. The platform, launched on April 23, 2025, during the rollout of the Route to Market Strategy 2025–2027, provides exporters with real-time data on international demand, trade opportunities, and compliance requirements. County officials and trade partners emphasized that the initiative will empower small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by giving them the tools to identify new markets, diversify exports, and reduce vulnerability to external shocks.
The platform is part of a broader strategy spearheaded by the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) in partnership with Danish Industries East Africa and the State Department for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Development. The Route to Market Strategy aims to position Kenya as a globally competitive exporter of high-quality goods while aligning with national priorities such as the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) and the Fourth Medium-Term Plan (MTP-IV). By digitizing export data and offering tailored insights, the platform is expected to bridge critical information gaps that have historically hindered Kenyan businesses from scaling internationally.
The launch has been welcomed by manufacturers, exporters, and policymakers. Business leaders praised the platform for offering transparency and actionable intelligence, noting that it will help SMEs overcome barriers such as limited market knowledge and regulatory complexity. Environmental and trade experts also highlighted that the platform could encourage sustainable production practices by aligning Kenyan exports with global standards. However, stakeholders stressed the importance of continuous updates, training, and cybersecurity safeguards to ensure the platform remains reliable and inclusive.
Looking ahead, Nairobi County and its partners plan to expand the platform’s coverage to include more sectors such as agriculture, textiles, and digital services. Officials believe that by equipping businesses with market intelligence, Nairobi can accelerate export growth, create jobs, and reinforce Kenya’s reputation as a hub for innovation and trade in Africa. If successfully implemented, the Export Market Intelligence Platform could serve as a model for other counties, showcasing how localized initiatives can drive national competitiveness in global markets.