KJET Project Set to Benefit 94 MSME Clusters with Business Development Services (BDS) Training
PHOTO: Cohort 1 receiving training at Langata Technical and Vocational College in Nairobi on Tuesday 2nd December 2025.
NAIROBI, Kenya, Dec 3 – The Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA) has officially launched the Cohort 1 Business Development Services (BDS) Classroom Training, marking a significant milestone under Component 2 of the Kenya Jobs and Economic Transformation (KJET) Project.
The initiative is specifically designed to bolster MSME cluster competitiveness across the nation, aiming to equip micro and small enterprises with the essential skills and resources needed to scale up their operations and drive economic growth.
Launched on November 10 2025, the training has commenced across ten counties and is scheduled for progressive rollout across all 47 counties over the next five weeks, targeting the 94 MSME clusters selected for Cohort 1.
This intensive effort directly supports Component 2 of the KJET Project, which is dedicated to strengthening the productivity and growth of MSME clusters operating in ten priority value chains identified under the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA): Edible Oils, Construction Materials, Textiles, Rice, Tea, Coffee, Dairy, Leather, the Blue Economy and Minerals.
Through structured Business Development Services training and targeted co-investment support, the component is designed to stimulate enterprise development, improve market access, and support the creation and improvement of jobs.
Additionally, this nationwide exercise equips selected MSME clusters with practical business skills drawn from a rich 12-module curriculum that enhance enterprise performance, increase productivity, and build long-term competitiveness.
By preparing MSMEs to access new opportunities and grow sustainably, the programme contributes directly to Kenya’s broader economic transformation goals. The sessions feature hands-on exercises, practical case studies and interactive group work led by experienced facilitators.
Micro and Small Enterprises Authority(MSEA) Director General Mr. Henry Rithaa while speaking during the commencement of the training in Isiolo noted that the project’s goal is not just to train MSMEs, but to transform them into engines of innovation, job creation, and inclusive economic growth under the BETA agenda.
“This training marks a pivotal shift in how MSMEs are supported in Kenya for the first time, clusters across all counties are receiving structured, practical, and market-driven skills that directly address the gaps limiting their growth”, Said Mr. Rithaa.
“Our goal is simple to enhance productivity, unlock new markets, and position Kenyan enterprises to compete regionally and globally”.
“The KJET Project is not just a training intervention; it is an investment in the long-term competitiveness and resilience of our MSMEs under the BETA agenda”, He added.
Once the training is done, clusters will move into a three-month mentorship phase, where each group will receive tailored, in-person support to help them apply the lessons learned, refine operations, and strengthen business performance.
The Kenya Jobs and Economic Transformation (KJET) Project Kenya Jobs and Economic Transformation (KJET) is 5-year Government of Kenya project funded by the World Bank (2024-2029).
The project development objective (PDO) is to increase private sector investments, access to markets and sustainable finance to create and improve jobs.
Subsequently, the project supports select MSME clusters, for example formally registered cooperatives, associations or other cluster-based enterprises working within the priority value chains envisioned under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, across all 47 counties.
The project aims to benefit at least 45,000 Kenyans, including at least 6,800 women through new or improved job opportunities.
KJET Project Interventions Includes;
(I) Strengthening business and investment enabling reforms – Implemented by the State Department for Investment Promotion and the Kenya Investment Authority (KenInvest), this component seeks to simplify licensing, improve investment laws and strategies and build government capacity for investor outreach and service delivery.
(II) Enhancing MSME Cluster Competitiveness – Implemented by the Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA), this component is enhancing the productivity of MSME clusters through provision of Business Development Services and co-investment support.
(III) Scaling Up Green Financing & Climate Resilience – Implemented by the Kenya Development Corporation (KDC), this component mobilizes private green capital to help SMEs adopt clean technologies and equips them to manage climate-related shocks.
(IV) Project Management, Monitoring and Evaluation – Overseen by the State Department for MSMEs Development, this component builds stronger Monitoring & Evaluation systems and supports project management activities to ensure sustainability beyond the project’s lifetime.
MSEA encourages eligible cooperatives, associations, and cluster-based MSMEs to apply for Cohort 2 of the BDS Training, which is currently open until 31 December 2025. Interested clusters are advised to apply early to benefit from this support offered under Component 2 of the KJET Project via https://kjet.msea.go.ke/
