Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is KJET?

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.

2. What are the KJET Project Components and who implements them?

  • A. Strengthening Business and Investment Enabling Reforms

    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)
  • B. Enhancing MSME Cluster Competitiveness

    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)
  • C. Scaling Up Green Financing & Strengthening Climate Resilience for SMEs

    Mobilizes green financing for MSMEs to adopt eco-friendly technologies and pilots tools for climate resilience.

    Implemented by: Kenya Development Corporation Ltd (KDC)
  • D. Project Management, Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E)

    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

    • 3. What is a cluster?

    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.

    4. What does Component 2 focus on?

    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.

    5. How will selected clusters benefit from the KJET Project?

    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.

    6. How will I know if I’ve been selected?

    Shortlisted applicants will be contacted through the details provided in their application.

    7. Is this a grant or a loan?

    It is co-investment support, not a loan. However, contracts will outline commitments, including potential profit-sharing or buy-out clauses.

    8. What if my group is not in the four listed value chains?

    High-potential groups outside Dairy, Textiles, Edible Oils, and Construction may be considered in exceptional cases.

    9. Where do I get help with the application?

    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.

    10. What does “co-investment” mean in this context?

    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%.

    11. What is the application checklist/eligibility criteria?

    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:
  • 1. Dairy
  • 2. Textiles
  • 3. Edible Oils
  • 4. 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.

    12. Can an individual MSME apply directly?

    No. This opportunity is only open to Cooperatives, Associations or other cluster-based entities

    13. What are the next steps after application?

    Shortlisted clusters will undergo further assessment (interviews/site visits) and begin BDS training if successful.

    14. Can our cluster reapply if we’re not selected in this round?

    Yes. Feedback will be provided, and clusters are encouraged to strengthen their capacity and reapply in subsequent cycles

    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.