The mentorship phase for the 95 Cohort 1 clusters of the KJET Business Development Services classroom training has officially commenced across the country.
Following the successful completion of their foundational classroom training, the clusters are now entering a critical three-month mentorship phase. During this period, they will receive individualized, in-person guidance tailored to their specific needs. This approach is designed to help the clusters apply classroom lessons directly to their daily workflows, refine their operations, and build the robust business systems necessary for scaling and sustainable growth.
The Kenya Jobs and Economic Transformation (KJET) Project co–Task Team Leaders, Leah Kiwara and Asta Bareisaite interacting with the members of Ndumberi Dairy and MSEA team during the visit to the processing plant.
Speaking during a supervision visit to Ndumberi Dairy Farmers Cooperative Society Limited to assess the progress of the ongoing mentorship phase, the Kenya Jobs and Economic Transformation (KJET) Project co–Task Team Leaders, Leah Kiwara and Asta Bareisaite emphasized that the project’s core objective is to strengthen MSME competitiveness by moving clusters beyond basic training toward measurable improvements in productivity, market access, and job creation. They noted that Component 2 is specifically designed to help clusters operate as structured, commercially viable enterprises through hands-on mentorship, stronger governance systems, and targeted investment readiness support. According to the team, the goal is not simply to build skills, but to ensure clusters can scale sustainably, attract financing, and create quality jobs that contribute meaningfully to local economic growth.
The mentorship begins with a comprehensive 360-degree diagnostic to identify operational gaps and opportunities, followed by the development of a tailored Business Development Services Growth Plan aligned to each cluster’s priorities. With close guidance from the mentors, clusters then implement these plans, refining their processes, enhancing productivity, and strengthening internal structures.
Following the mentorship assessments, beneficiaries will be evaluated and categorized into two tiers based on their operational maturity and business readiness. Tier 1 clusters will be prepared for financing opportunities, including co-investment support for the acquisition of shared machinery and common-user infrastructure. Tier 2 clusters will be further supported with targeted strategies to help them mature into fully integrated Tier 1 business entities.
Through this hands-on and structured approach, KJET continues to walk alongside MSME clusters, ensuring that knowledge gained in the classroom translates into stronger enterprises, improved performance, and long-term resilience in the marketplace.
Pictorial highlights from the visit to Ndumberi Dairy Farmers Cooperative Society.
