Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about the KJET Project
Common Questions & Answers
Everything you need to know about the KJET Project application process and eligibility requirements.
Kenya Jobs and Economic Transformation (KJET) is 5-year GOK project funded by the World Bank (2024-2029) whose project development objective is 'To increase private sector investments, access to markets and sustainable finance to create and improve jobs'. The project targets to create jobs and improve productivity of select MSME clusters based on priority value chains envisioned under the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda.
This component supports reforms to improve the ease of doing business in Kenya by streamlining licensing, updating investment laws, and enhancing government capacity for investor outreach and service delivery.
Implemented by: State Department for Investment Promotion, Kenya Investment Authority (KenInvest)
Focuses on boosting MSME competitiveness and market access through Business Development Services (BDS) training and co-investment support for productive assets.
Implemented by: Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA)
Mobilizes green financing for MSMEs to adopt eco-friendly technologies and pilots tools for climate resilience.
Implemented by: Kenya Development Corporation Ltd (KDC)
Supports overall project coordination, reporting, and institutional capacity building for effective management and tracking of results.
Implemented by: State Department for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development
A cluster is a group of MSMEs formally organized as a Cooperative, Association, or cluster-based entity working together in the same value chain or ecosystem.
Applications are open to registered Cooperatives, Associations, or Companies operating as MSME clusters (groups of enterprises working in similar value chains). Applicants must have valid registration documents, operate within one of the priority value chains, and demonstrate potential for job creation and business growth.
Submit your application online via the KJET Portal: https://kjet.msea.go.ke/. You’ll be guided to fill out all required details and upload the necessary supporting documents.
Component two focuses on enhancing cluster competitiveness through both general and specialized Business Development Services training and in select cases, co-investment support to acquire productive assets that enhance their operations and market reach.
These are the 9 value chains envisioned under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda. They include but are not limited to: Edible Oils, Textiles, Construction Materials, Dairy, Leather, Tea, Coffee, Rice, Blue Economy and Minerals. Additional value chains may be considered based on their contribution to local employment and trade.
High-potential groups outside Dairy, Textiles, Edible Oils, and Construction may be considered in exceptional cases.
To qualify for support under Component 2: Enhancing Cluster Competitiveness, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- The applicant must be a Cooperative, Association, or Cluster-based MSME that is legally registered in Kenya.
- The cluster must operate within a priority value chain (Edible Oils, Textiles, Construction Materials, Dairy, Leather, Tea, Coffee, Rice, Blue Economy and Minerals). Exceptional MSME clusters in other sectors may be considered case-by-case.
- The cluster must have been in operation for over two (2) years.
- The cluster must be actively engaged in value addition activities within its value chain.
- The cluster must have products currently in the market.
Selected clusters 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.
Yes. Clusters that were not successful in Cohort 1 are encouraged to reapply under Cohort 2, ensuring that they meet the eligibility criteria.
Shortlisted applicants will be contacted through the details provided in their application.
Applications must be submitted on or before 31st December 2025. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
It is co-investment support, not a loan. However, contracts will outline commitments, including potential profit-sharing or buy-out clauses.
You can visit your nearest MSEA county office for assistance. A full list of offices is available here: https://msea.go.ke/msea-county-offices/ In addition, sensitization forums will be held in various counties to guide applicants through the application process step by step.
No. Applications for KJET support are free of charge. Beware of individuals or organisations claiming to offer paid assistance or guaranteed selection — these are not affiliated with the project.
Co-investment means that both the project and the MSME cluster are jointly contributing toward acquiring productive assets. The cluster contributes 30%, and the project invests the remaining 70%.
Your MSME cluster must meet ALL the following criteria to apply:
Registration
- Be a registered Cooperative, Association, or cluster-based entity
Value Chain Focus
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 their alignment with project goals and potential impact.
Operational History
- Be in existence for over 2 years
Business Activities
- Be actively engaged in value addition
- Have products currently in the market
Important to Note
Submission of an application does not guarantee selection. All applications will undergo a rigorous review and verification to confirm eligibility and operational capacity. Only genuine, operational clusters aligned with the project objectives will be considered for support.
No. This opportunity is only open to Cooperatives, Associations or other cluster-based entities.
Shortlisted clusters will undergo further assessment (interviews/site visits) and begin BDS training if successful.
Yes. Feedback will be provided, and clusters are encouraged to strengthen their capacity and reapply in subsequent cycles.
Clusters that applied in Cohort 1 can query the KJET portal via https://kjet.msea.go.ke/ — on the portal: click Public → Selected Clusters, enter your registration number, and click Search to view your selection status.
Disclaimer
Submission of an application does not guarantee selection. All applications will undergo a rigorous review and verification to confirm eligibility and operational capacity. Only genuine, operational clusters aligned with the project objectives will be considered for support.