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FAQs

1. What is Kenya Jobs and Economic Transformation (KJET) project?

Kenya Jobs and Economic Transformation (KJET) is a 5- year flagship initiative by the Government of Kenya supported 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 aims to create jobs and improve productivity of select MSME clusters based on priority value chains envisioned under the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).

The project is jointly implemented by:

  1. The Project is implemented by two Ministries: Ministry of Cooperatives, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development (MCMSME) and the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry (MITI). Two dedicated Project Implementation Units (PIU), one in each Ministry is responsible for day-to-day management of the project. The State Department for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (SDMSME) under MCMSME coordinates Component 2 and provides oversight for the Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA) to implement project activities. It is also the anchor PIU in charge of overall management of the project.

 

  1. Enhancing inclusive, high-quality, resilient and sustainable job creation.
  2. Strengthening the business and investment environment.
  3. Strengthening competitiveness and building the capacity of MSME clusters.
  4. Enhancing market access for MSMEs.
  5. Scaling-up green MSME Financing.

A cluster is a group of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) that are formally organized as a Cooperative or Association or a cluster-based entity working collaboratively within the same value chain or production ecosystem.

KJET targets value chains with high potential to create jobs, including:

  1. Leather and leather products
  2. Textile and apparel
  3. Dairy
  4. Edible oils (sunflower, canola, palm oil, coconut, soya)
  5. Tea
  6. Rice
  7. Blue economy
  8. Minerals including forestry
  9. Construction and building materials

 

The project is anchored on the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). It strengthens local enterprises to create and improve jobs, scaling up green MSME financing and enhance market access for MSMEs for economic transformation.

  1. MCMSME – The State Department for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (SDMSME) under MCMSME coordinates Component 2 and provides oversight for the Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA) to implement project activities. It is also the anchor PIU in charge of overall reporting, missions, operational and fiduciary planning.
  2. MITI - implements Component 1; Strengthening Business and Investment Enabling Reforms through its agency KenInvest.  Component 3: Scaling up Green Financing and Strengthening Climatic Resilience for SMEs through the Kenya Development          Corporation (KDC)
  3. MSEA -  The Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA) is implementing component 2 of the project that aims to enhance cluster competitiveness. Under this Component, MSME clusters will receive technical support through both general and value chain-specific Business Development services (BDS) training and co -Investment viable MSME clusters to acquire productive assets that enhance their operations and market reach.

  1. Enterprises qualified as clusters under KJET.

 

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.

This is not a loan nor a grant. The support is co-investment.

11. Which counties will participate?

KJET has been rolled out in 47 counties of Kenya.

Details will be available through:

  1. Official KJET website and the implenting agencies' website

  1. Business development services.
  2. Value chain specific
  3. Product quality and safety standard
  4. Use of green and digital technologies

 

The project supports:

  1. Simplification of the business environment by – streamlining the regulatory framework
  2. Improved land access processes
  3. Digital platforms for business services
  4. Better coordination between national and county governments

 

You can reach the KJET team via:

i. Email: kjet@msme.go.ke

 

The key risks include:

  1. Pollution of air,water and noise from upgrades in MSME clusters.
  2. Dangers to workers’ health and safety.
  3. Poor handling of waste.
  4. The chance of gender-based violence or leaving out vulnerable groups if these issues aren’t managed properly.

 

KJET uses a plan called the Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) to:

  1. Check sub-project risks.
  2. Create specific management plans.
  3. Visit sites to monitor progress.

 

KJET promotes:

  1. Supports green projects.
  2. Encourages energy-saving and clean technologies for MSMEs.
  3. Training on climate-smart ways and using resources wisely

 

  1. (Gender Based Violence) GBV Action Plans are included in Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMPs)
  2. Contractors and implementing partners get trained on rules.
  3. Safe ways to report are set up
  4. Survivors are helped with support services.