Kenya’s startup ecosystem remains one of Africa’s strongest, but Mombasa’s rise highlights the gap beyond Nairobi
- Mombasa climbed 22 places in the global startup rankings, reaching 894th in 2026.
- Nairobi's ranking dropped from 107th to 116th, indicating a decline in its startup ecosystem.
- Kenya's overall position fell to 61st globally, with a negative growth rate of 0.2% compared to previous years.
While Mombasa's rise in the startup rankings is a positive development, it is crucial for Kenya to focus on building a more decentralized ecosystem. This will not only enhance the startup landscape but also ensure that growth is not solely reliant on Nairobi. The challenge lies in fostering local talent, attracting investment, and creating supportive infrastructure in emerging hubs like Mombasa.
