MOMBASA, Kenya—Thousands of businesses in Mombasa are set to gain verified digital addresses and online visibility following the launch of a pioneering business mapping and digital discoverability platform dubbed Anwani Yangu.
The initiative follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) Mombasa Chapter and technology firm NextRail Africa Limited.
The platform seeks to provide businesses with verified digital addresses, mapped locations, professional business profiles and QR-enabled digital identities, making it easier for customers, suppliers and service providers to locate and verify enterprises across the county.
Speaking during the signing ceremony in Mombasa, KNCCI Mombasa Chairperson Aboud Jamal said the programme is designed to address a longstanding challenge where many businesses rely on landmarks rather than formal addresses, limiting their visibility and growth potential.
“For too long, many businesses in Mombasa have been known through landmarks instead of addresses. This initiative will help entrepreneurs establish a digital presence that can be discovered locally and beyond,” said Jamal.
According to the Chamber, the platform targets enterprises of all sizes, including informal traders, micro-enterprises, small businesses and established companies.
The initiative is expected to improve business visibility, strengthen customer trust, enhance access to markets and support the integration of enterprises into the digital economy.
NextRail Africa Director Abdulhakim Ibrahim said the technology would help address challenges faced by businesses that lose opportunities because customers and partners are unable to locate or verify them accurately.
“Technology should solve real-world challenges. By providing verified digital identities and accurate business locations, we are helping enterprises become more visible, trusted and connected,” he said.
Business associations welcomed the move, describing it as a potential catalyst for economic growth and digital inclusion.
Association of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (AMSEA) Chairperson Ronald Alwanga urged entrepreneurs to register for the platform, saying improved visibility could unlock new business opportunities for small enterprises.
Stakeholders also noted that the initiative could improve logistics, deliveries and supply chain efficiency by reducing the challenges associated with locating businesses through informal directions.
KNCCI said the platform would create a reliable business database capable of supporting investment decisions, access to financing, service delivery and evidence-based economic planning.
With the rollout of Anwani Yangu, Mombasa becomes the first county in Kenya to implement a large-scale business addressing and digital discoverability system, a move expected to strengthen the county’s position as a hub for innovation, trade and enterprise development.
