Businesses operating without formal addresses in Mombasa are set to be mapped through a new digital platform aimed at improving their visibility and making it easier for customers and service providers to locate them.
The initiative follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) Mombasa Chapter and NextRail Africa Limited, a technology company.
The programme, known as Anwani Yangu, seeks to tackle a long-standing challenge facing many enterprises that rely on landmarks rather than recognised addresses to direct customers to their premises.
Under the initiative, businesses will be assigned verified digital locations and online profiles, enabling them to establish a stronger presence within the growing digital economy.
The system is expected to benefit a wide range of enterprises, including informal traders, small and medium-sized businesses and larger companies operating across the county.
KNCCI Mombasa Chairman Aboud Jamal said many businesses continue to face difficulties because they lack formal addresses, limiting their ability to attract customers and access new markets.
He noted that the programme is intended to provide enterprises with a recognised digital identity and a more reliable way of being located.
NextRail Africa Director Abdulhakim Ibrahim said the company would deploy technology designed to generate verified business locations and digital identities, helping address challenges associated with inaccurate or unverifiable addresses.
He said the system would enable businesses to be located more easily and improve interactions with customers and service providers.
Business associations welcomed the initiative, arguing that improved visibility is increasingly important as commercial activities become more dependent on digital platforms.
The Association of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (AMSEA) said many entrepreneurs have long expressed concerns over limited online presence and difficulties in reaching potential customers.
The Kenya Transport Association also backed the programme, noting that transporters and delivery companies frequently encounter challenges when trying to locate businesses.
The association said a more accurate digital addressing system could help reduce delays and improve efficiency within the logistics sector.
Stakeholders said the rollout of the Anwani Yangu platform would be undertaken across Mombasa County as part of broader efforts to strengthen the business environment and support the integration of local enterprises into digital commerce.
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