KENYA JOBS AND ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION (KJET) PROJECT

Kenya Jobs and Economic Transformation (KJET) is a 5-year Government of Kenya project funded by the World Bank (2024-2029). The project development objective (PDO) is ‘To increase private sector investments, access to markets and sustainable finance to create and improve jobs’.

The project targets to create and improve productivity of select MSME clusters based on priority value chains envisioned under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda. It aims to benefit at least 45,000 Kenyans, including at least 6,800 women through new or improved job opportunities.

Project Components

• Strengthening Business and Investment Enabling Reforms: This component supports business and investment enabling reforms in Kenya, including streamlined licensing processes, improved investment-related laws, and enhanced government capacity for investor outreach and service delivery. Implemented by the State Department for Investment Promotion and the Kenya Investment Authority (KenInvest).
• Enhancing MSME Cluster Competitiveness: Aims to strengthen competitiveness and market access of MSMEs through business development services and co-investment in viable MSME clusters.
• Scaling Up Green Financing and Strengthening Climatic Resilience for SMEs: Mobilizes green private capital to support SME adoption of eco-friendly technologies and pilots innovative instruments to manage climatic risks. Implemented by the Kenya Development Corporation Ltd (KDC).
• Project Management, Monitoring and Evaluation: Strengthens M&E systems and capacity of national implementing agencies and finances project management activities. Overseen by the State Department for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Development.

Focus on Component 2: Enhancing MSME Cluster Competitiveness

Component 2, implemented by the Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA), focuses on Business Development Services (BDS) and Investment Support for MSMEs to enhance productivity, efficiency, and job creation within MSME clusters across the 47 Counties.

The program prioritizes specific value chains under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, selected for their high potential in employment generation and market demand. These include:

• Edible Oils
• Building Materials (Construction)
• Textiles
• Tea
• Coffee
• Dairy
• Leather
• Blue Economy
• Minerals

Targeted MSME Clusters

KJET identifies MSME clusters, including MSE Associations and Cooperatives, as key beneficiaries. This structured approach ensures businesses in similar industries benefit from shared resources, training, and investment support.

Key Interventions

• Business Development Services (BDS): 1,200 MSME clusters will receive free generalized and specialized training and capacity building to improve operational efficiency.
• Co-Investment Support: 600 MSME clusters will receive co-investment support for acquiring machinery. The investment model follows a co-financing approach:
  • The project covers 70% of the machinery cost.
  • The MSME clusters contribute 30% of the investment.

KJET Call for Applications is Now Open!

The project invites Cooperatives, Associations, or cluster-based entities looking to scale, innovate, and access new markets to apply for support under Component 2: Enhancing Cluster Competitiveness.

Eligible organizations operating within priority value chains will benefit from tailored Business Development Services (BDS) training. In select cases, beneficiaries may also receive co-investment support to acquire productive assets that enhance their operations and market reach.

Application Criteria

• Be a registered Cooperative, Association, or cluster-based entity.
• Operate in one of the following priority value chains:
  • Dairy
  • Textiles
  • Edible Oils
  • Construction Materials
• Clusters in other sectors may be considered under exceptional circumstances, depending on alignment with project goals and potential impact.
• Be in existence for over 2 years.
• Be actively engaged in value addition.
• Have products currently in the market.

How to Apply

Click the button below to access the application portal. You will be required to fill in your details and upload relevant supporting documents.

Application Deadline is 20th July, 2025