Kenya Industry and Entrepreneurship Project
The Kenya Industry and Entrepreneurship Project (KIEP) is a US$50 million project that will be implemented by the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry (MITI), with support from the World Bank Group over the next six years between 2019-2024. KIEP aims to increase innovation and productivity in select private sector firms in Kenya by strengthening the private sector (including startups, SMEs, incubators, accelerators, technology bootcamp providers, etc.) through financial grants and technical assistance.
KIEP is fully aligned with Kenya’s Vision 2030 of transforming the country into a newly industrialized and globally competitive middle-income country. The project aims to deliver this industrialization agenda by strengthening the entrepreneurship ecosystem, increasing firm-level innovation and productivity, and developing technically skilled talent in the country. Through support to select, high-potential SMEs, particularly in sectors such as manufacturing and agribusiness, the project aims to create a demonstration effect ensuring significant catalytic and cascading effects in the economy. This approach is envisaged to have a cross-cutting effect on each of the Big Four sectors of manufacturing, food security, affordable housing, and universal healthcare and also boost shared prosperity.
The Project consists of three components. Component 1 seeks to strengthen the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem in Kenya by building the capacity of incubators, accelerators, and rapid technology skills providers (collectively called ‘intermediaries’). It also seeks to connect the Kenyan ecosystem to international networks of talent and support infrastructure and foster links between startups and traditional industry. In addition, this component aims to bridge the technical skills gaps in the market by linking young talent and academia to the private sector. Component 2 strives to increase productivity at the firm level by supporting Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in improving their managerial and technical skills and their use and access to technology. Component 3 provides support for communications, M&E, and implementation of the project.