Nairobi SMEs Access Training on Digital Marketing

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Nairobi are scaling up their businesses after participating in a comprehensive digital marketing training programme organized by the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI). The initiative, Skills 4 Women & Youth in Kenya, trained 478 SMEs in areas such as social media management, search engine optimization, e-commerce strategies, Google Ads campaigns, and brand development. Participants also received hands-on guidance on customer engagement, online sales optimization, and digital business tools. The programme aims to enable Nairobi SMEs to expand revenue streams, reach regional markets, and strengthen their competitive edge in Kenya’s growing digital economy. Funded through a development cooperation partnership with Lithuania, the training focused on equipping SMEs with practical skills for navigating the increasingly digital marketplace. Beyond technical training, participants were enrolled in mentorship programmes, connecting them with trade experts, digital strategists, and industry leaders via the KNCCI Chamber Business Academy. These mentorship sessions offered insights on best practices for online marketing, strategies to attract international clients, and guidance on leveraging digital platforms efficiently. Many SMEs reported improved online visibility, increased customer interactions, and early signs of revenue growth following the programme. In addition, Nairobi City County hosted a five-day Digital Economy Boot Camp in 2024 in partnership with Google Hustle Academy. The boot camp focused on startups and micro-businesses, offering intensive modules on digital marketing, AI-driven sales strategies, e-commerce optimization, and analytics for business performance tracking. Participants received hands-on training in creating impactful digital campaigns, understanding consumer behavior online, and measuring marketing results effectively. The initiative reflects the county’s commitment to nurturing entrepreneurship, enhancing SME competitiveness, and positioning Nairobi as a regional hub for innovation and technology.
Business owners have welcomed the programmes, citing tangible benefits such as increased online traffic, higher customer engagement, and improved returns on digital investments. Experts note that equipping SMEs with digital skills strengthens Nairobi’s broader economic ecosystem and supports Kenya’s ambition for a robust digital economy. With ongoing training, mentorship, and support, SMEs are expected to expand their digital reach, access new East African markets, and contribute significantly to the country’s economic growth in the coming years.