County Promotes Nairobi Investment Clusters

Nairobi County has intensified efforts to promote investment clusters as part of its long-term economic development plan. In February 2025, the county outlined its strategy in the Fiscal Strategy Paper 2025–2026, emphasizing the need to create specialized clusters in manufacturing, ICT, finance, and creative industries. The goal is to attract investors by offering structured support, improving infrastructure, and fostering collaboration among businesses operating in similar sectors. County officials highlighted that the initiative aligns with Kenya’s broader vision of positioning Nairobi as a hub for innovation, trade, and sustainable growth.
The push gained momentum on May 6, 2025, when the national government launched a program to map and count industries in Nairobi County. The exercise, conducted by the State Department for Industry in collaboration with MSME Development and Economic Planning agencies, aims to build a comprehensive industrial database. This mapping will help identify existing clusters, streamline investment opportunities, and guide policy decisions. By creating a clear picture of Nairobi’s industrial landscape, the county hopes to attract both local and international investors while ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently.
The promotion of investment clusters has been welcomed by business leaders and policymakers. Analysts argue that clustering industries can reduce costs, improve competitiveness, and encourage innovation through shared resources and knowledge exchange. Nairobi’s inclusion in the County Competitiveness Index (CCI), published in November 2025, further reinforced its position as one of Kenya’s most attractive counties for investors. However, experts caution that challenges such as infrastructure gaps, regulatory hurdles, and governance issues must be addressed to fully realize the benefits of clustering.
Looking ahead, Nairobi County plans to expand the cluster model to include emerging sectors such as green energy, agribusiness, and digital services. Officials believe that by promoting investment clusters, Nairobi can stimulate job creation, enhance productivity, and strengthen its role as East Africa’s economic powerhouse. If successfully implemented, the initiative could serve as a blueprint for other counties, showcasing how structured industrial development can drive sustainable growth.