Women Entrepreneurs in Nairobi Receive Sh1 Billion Support Program

Nairobi County has launched a Sh1 billion support program to empower women entrepreneurs and strengthen small businesses. The initiative, introduced under the Annual Development Plan 2025/2026, reflects the county’s commitment to gender equity and inclusive economic growth. By unlocking affordable financing and providing structured mentorship, the program aims to remove barriers that have historically limited women’s participation in business.
The program offers women-led enterprises access to credit facilities without prohibitive collateral requirements, alongside training in digital marketing, financial literacy, and export readiness. Nairobi County partnered with commercial banks, microfinance institutions, and international development agencies to deliver these resources, ensuring that women entrepreneurs can scale their ventures both locally and globally. Green business incentives are also included to encourage sustainable practices.
Entrepreneurs have welcomed the initiative, noting that it helps address challenges such as restricted access to capital, high operational costs, and limited market opportunities. Analysts argue that the Sh1 billion program is transformative, embedding inclusivity into Nairobi’s economic framework while complementing earlier initiatives such as the Sh3 Billion Credit Guarantee Program (April 2025) and the Creative Economy Hub (October 2025). Together, these reforms create a supportive ecosystem for SME growth and innovation.
Looking ahead, Nairobi County plans to expand the program by integrating AI-powered financing tools, blockchain-based certification for women-owned businesses, and green supply chain practices. Officials believe that by embedding advanced technologies into entrepreneurship support, Nairobi can accelerate job creation, attract foreign investment, and reinforce its role as East Africa’s hub for inclusive innovation.