KENYA JOBS AND ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION (KJET)

Kenya Jobs and Economic Transformation (KJET) Project is a 5-year Government of Kenya 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.

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/apply. 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 10 priority value chains under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda: Dairy, Textiles, Edible Oils, Construction Materials, Leather, Tea, Coffee, Rice, Blue Economy, Minerals. Additional value chains may be considered based on their contribution to local employment and trade.

Clusters in other sectors may be considered under exceptional circumstances, depending on alignment with project goals and potential impact.

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 12th October 2026. 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.

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/selected-clusters — enter your registration number and click Search to view your selection status.

The Cohort 2 selection process is currently underway. Outcomes will be communicated to all applicants in the coming weeks, both those selected and those not selected. Please watch out for a communication from KJET.