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.
A cluster is a group of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSEs) that are formally organized as a Cooperative or Association or a cluster based entity working collaboratively within the same value chain or production ecosystem.
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.
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.
Shortlisted applicants will be contacted through the details provided in their application.
No. The support is primarily in the form of co-investment, not a loan. However, selected beneficiaries will enter into contracts outlining mutual commitments, including potential profit-sharing or phased buy-out options.
While the focus is on Dairy, Textiles, Edible Oils, and Construction, high-potential groups outside these sectors may be considered in exceptional cases.
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.
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.
If eligible, your cluster will be contacted for further assessment. You may be invited for additional interviews or site visits. Successful applicants will then begin BDS training.
Yes. Feedback will be provided, and clusters are encouraged to strengthen their capacity and reapply in subsequent cycles.
You can raise a grievance through the following channels:
✅ Online Portal – Submit your complaint through the official KJET GRM platform via:
🔗 https://kjetgrievance.msea.go.ke/; http://kjetgrm.kjet.go.ke/
✅ Email – Send your concern or complaint to:
📧 sikika.kjet@msea.go.ke
✅ In Person – Visit your nearest MSEA office and request to submit a complaint through the GRM focal point.
✅ Suggestion/Complaint Boxes – Drop your grievance in the designated boxes available at MSEA offices.
✅ Hotline (Coming Soon) – A toll-free hotline is under development to further ease grievance submission.
All grievances will be acknowledged, reviewed, and addressed in a timely manner, and feedback will be provided to the complainant as appropriate.
The KJET Project values your voice — together, we can build a more responsive and inclusive development process.
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.
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.)
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.
a) To qualify for support under Component 2: Enhancing Cluster Competitiveness, applicants must meet the following criteria:
b) The applicant must be a Cooperative, Association, or Cluster-based MSME that is legally registered in Kenya.
c) The cluster must operate within a priority value chain, specifically in one of the following sectors: Edible Oils, Textiles, Construction Materials, Dairy, Leather, Tea, Coffee, Rice, Blue Economy and Minerals.
Note: While the project prioritizes these value chains, exceptional MSME clusters in other sectors may also be considered on a case-by-case basis, depending on their strategic alignment and potential for impact.
d) The cluster must have been in operation for over two (2) years.
e) The cluster must be actively engaged in value addition activities within its value chain.
f) The cluster must have products currently in the market.
Yes. Clusters that were not successful in Cohort 1 are encouraged to reapply under Cohort 2 ensuring that they meet the eligibility criteria.
Clusters that applied in Cohort 1 can query the KJET portal via https://kjet.msea.go.ke/
- On the top navigation bar on the portal click on public, followed by selected clusters
- Enter your Cooperative, Association or Company Registration No:
- Submit the information by clicking the “search” button.
- View your selection status:
Applications must be submitted on or before the 31st of December 2025 deadline. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
No. Applications for KJET support is free of charge. Beware of individuals or organizations claiming to offer assistance for payment.
