Study to inform the second phase of the Kenya Catalytic Jobs Fund (KCJF): call for proposals
Source: gov.uk (2025-09-26)

Closed: The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) invited proposals by 13 October 2025 to improve support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Kenya.

This opportunity closed on 13 October 2025.

Overview of fund

Since its launch in 2019, the Kenya Catalytic Jobs Fund (KCJF) has supported 19 local firms. These efforts have helped create 145,000 direct and indirect jobs across various sectors.

The programme is delivered through a challenge fund, with calls for proposals to select and support the most promising businesses. Support is provided through a mix of grants and tailored technical assistance.

The fund takes a catalytic approach, focusing on reducing risk for early-stage and underfunded firms to make them more attractive to private investors.

The programme targets firms in high-impact sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing and the digital economy.

KCJF initiatives have also unlocked £4 million in additional investment for these firms.

What the fund will achieve

The aim of this study is to identify critical gaps that the British High Commission (BHC) can address to improve support for SMEs.

The goal is to help SMEs reach their full economic potential and strengthen the SME landscape in Kenya.

The study will guide the strategic direction of the next phase of the Kenya Catalytic Jobs Fund (KCJF) by combining 2 key approaches:
- analysing the Kenyan SME landscape to identify current gaps, challenges and opportunities for strengthening the ecosystem
- drawing on international best practices, especially successful models from similar emerging markets, to identify elements that can be adapted and integrated into KCJF’s future interventions.
Requirements for organisations wishing to apply

This opportunity is open to organisations in all ODA-eligible countries.

The team should include specialists with strong expertise in the small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) landscape and enterprise development. This includes experience in market systems, private sector development analysis and SME financing.

Team members must be skilled in research and evaluation methods, policy and institutional analysis, and strategic programme design.

Ideal candidates will have experience in ecosystem mapping or strategic studies, advising development programmes on SME support and job creation, and working with financial institutions in Kenya or the region.

They should be able to produce practical outputs and integrate gender, youth and disability inclusion.

Key roles include:
- SME ecosystem specialist
- finance and investment specialist
- policy and institutional analyst
- employment and inclusion specialist
How to apply

Read all the programme documentation in these attachments:
- Letter of invitation (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68d629db30734bac9ba0fd13/EvF_Letter_of_Invitation_Study_to_inform_the_second_phase_of_KCJF.odt)
- Application guidance (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68d629f1c908572e81248d28/ITT_CfP_-_Application_Guidance.odt)
- Volume 1: ITT instructions and evaluation criteria (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68d628aae65dc716bfb1ddff/Volume_1_-_ITT_Instructions_and_Evaluation_Criteria_-_Study_to_inform_the_second_phase_of_KCJF.odt)
- Volume 2: terms of reference (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68d628e89ce370a7e0a0fd12/Volume_2_-_EvF_ToR_Evidence_Fund_Study_to_inform_the_second_phase_of_KCJF.odt)
- Volume 3: application form (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68d6291a9ce370a7e0a0fd13/Volume_3_-_Application_Form.odt)
- Volume 4: commercial pro forma (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68d62937275fc9339a248d27/Volume_4_-_Commercial_Pro_Formas.ods)
- Volume 5: pro forma contract (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68d6295e30734bac9ba0fd11/Volume_5_-_Pro_Forma_Contract.odt)
- Volume 6: conflict of interest and safeguarding policy (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68d62985275fc9339a248d28/Volume_6_-_Conflict_of_Interest___Safeguarding_Policy.odt)
- Volume 7: letter and declaration (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68d629a130734bac9ba0fd12/Volume_7_-_Letter_and_Declaration_to_Accompany_Tenders.odt)
Submit your offer, which should include both technical and commercial proposal elements to xxx@xxx.xx (mailto:xxx@xxx.xx)

Your proposal must reach us by 13 October 2025 at 5pm (East Africa Time). Proposals received after this deadline will not be accepted.

Contact

xxx@xxx.xx (mailto:xxx@xxx.xx)