Beyond Nairobi: The rise of Kenya’s regional economic hubs
Fifteen years after the adoption of the 2010 Constitution, devolution, improved infrastructure and county-led investment promotion are encouraging businesses to look beyond Nairobi...
✨ Key Highlights
Kenya's economic landscape is diversifying beyond its traditional commercial capital, Nairobi, with regional cities like Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, and Eldoret emerging as specialized economic hubs.
- Nairobi generated 27.5% of Kenya’s Gross Value Added (GVA) in 2023, but its dominance is being challenged by other counties.
- The shift is driven by factors such as improved infrastructure, county-led investment promotion, and devolution, encouraging businesses to leverage distinct competitive advantages.
- Notable developments include Mombasa leveraging the Dongo Kundu Special Economic Zone, Kisumu reviving trade on Lake Victoria, Nakuru capitalizing on industry and geothermal energy, and Eldoret emerging as the North Rift’s commercial capital.
Continue Reading
Read the complete article from Capital Business
Part of the Day's Coverage
Regional Economic Hubs Emerge Beyond Nairobi - July 2026
Kenya's economic landscape is diversifying beyond its traditional commercial capital, Nairobi, with regional cities like Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, and Eldoret emerging as specialized economic hubs. This shift is creating new opportunities for investment and business growth outside the capital. In related financial sector developments, Acorn Student Accommodation Income Real Estate Investment Trust reported a significant increase in net profit for the first half of 2026, driven by strategic acquisitions and financial management. Additionally, CIC Insurance Group launched a new dedicated microinsurance subsidiary, CIC Impact, to expand affordable insurance coverage to low- and middle-income earners and MSMEs in Kenya.


Kenya's news, briefed daily
Daily Briefs with audio, your topics, and breaking stories.


Related News


Take Kenya's news with you
Breaking stories, daily briefs, and the topics you follow - on your phone, free.


















