Are you a youth or a woman in the agricultural value chain? Kenya Climate Innovation Center (KCIC), has launched its second call for applications for the AgriBiz program. The program, funded by the European Union and Ministry of foreign affairs of Denmark (Danida) at Ksh 5.1 billion, aims to support 2400 women and youth-led agribusinesses across Kenya. It is projected to create 17,000 job opportunities.
According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, the unemployment rate is currently at 7.2%, quite an alarming percentage which has further been exacerbated by the current COVID-19 crisis. The AgriBiz program seeks to address this issue by providing decent and sustainable job opportunities for youth and women in agricultural value chains.
KCIC is welcoming youth and women in agribusiness in different parts of Kenya to apply for incubation, mentorship and financial support. The programme has set up Business Incubation Hubs (BIHs) in eight selected county governments, i.e. Machakos, Kisii, Uasin Gishu, Isiolo, Bungoma, Meru Kilifi and Kiambu counties. The BIHs will provide training, business advisory and financing to enable women and youth to acquire skills needed to boost their agribusinesses.
Applications for the eight BIH counties will be rolled out as follows;
Machakos County
Machakos BIH will incorporate applicants from Machakos, Makueuni, Kajiado and Kitui counties. Duly filled application forms can be dropped at Machakos ATC. The deadline for application is on 28th October 2021.
Kisii County
Kisii BIH will incorporate Kisii, Nyamira, Kericho, Kisumu, Migori, Homabay, Bomet and Narok counties. Duly filled forms can be dropped at Kisii ATC. The application deadline is on 28th October 2021.
Uasin Gishu County
Applicants from Uasin Gishu, Nandi, Elgeyo Marakwet, Baringo, Turkana, West Pokot counties are invited to apply to the Uasin Gishu BIH. Duly filled forms can be dropped at the Agricultural Mechanical Services (AMS) centre. The deadline is on 28th October 2021.
Isiolo County
Applicants from Isiolo, Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, Marsabit, Samburu counties are invited to the Isiolo BIH. Duly filled forms can be dropped at Isiolo ATC. The application deadline is on 26th October 2021.
Bungoma County
Applicants from Bungoma, Busia, Vihiga, Kakamega, Siaya and Trans Nzoia counties are invited to apply to the Bungoma BIH. Duly filled forms can be dropped at Mabanga ATC. The application deadline is on 29th October 2021.
Meru County
Meru BIH will incorporate applicants from Meru, Laikipia, Tharaka Nithi, Nyeri, Kirinyaga and Embu counties. Duly filled forms can be dropped at Kaguru ATC on a date not later than 28th October 2021.
Kiambu County
Applicants from Kiambu, Nairobi, Muranga, Nakuru and Nyandarua counties are invited to apply to the Kiambu BIH. Duly filled forms can be dropped at Waruhiu ATC on a date not later than 29th October 2021.
Kilifi County
Applicants from Kilifi, Mombasa, Kwale, Tana River, Taita Taveta and Lamu counties are invited to the Kilifi BIH. Duly filled forms can be dropped at Mtwapa ATC on a date not later than 2nd November 2021.
All application forms are also available on the KCIC website. Manual applications are also accepted.