County Supports Nairobi SMEs With Trade and Export Programs

In November 2025, the Nairobi County Government rolled out new Trade and Export Programs to strengthen small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and help them access regional and international markets. The initiative was introduced under the Annual Development Plan 2025/2026, reinforcing the county’s commitment to building a competitive and globally connected SME sector.
The programs provide SMEs with export financing, training on international trade standards, and access to global e-commerce platforms. Nairobi County partnered with the Kenya Export Promotion and Branding Agency (KEPROBA), chambers of commerce, and international development agencies to ensure that local businesses can meet export requirements and expand their reach. The county also introduced digital certification tools and logistics support, reducing barriers such as high transaction costs and fragmented supply chains.
Entrepreneurs welcomed the programs, noting that they help overcome challenges such as limited access to foreign markets, lack of export readiness, and inadequate financing. Analysts argue that the initiative is transformative for Nairobi’s economy, embedding trade facilitation into SME operations while complementing earlier efforts such as the Business Growth Program (October 2025) and the E-Commerce Partnerships (November 2025). Together, these initiatives create a comprehensive framework for SME competitiveness.
Looking ahead, Nairobi County plans to expand the programs by integrating AI-powered trade analytics, blockchain-based export certification, and green supply chain practices. Officials believe that by embedding advanced tools into trade and export programs, Nairobi can accelerate job creation, attract foreign investment, and reinforce its role as East Africa’s hub for commerce and innovation.