CFPs: Study to Inform the Second Phase of the Kenya Catalytic Jobs Fund

Organisation Name:

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)

Application Deadline:

13 October 2025

About Organisation

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) of the UK works globally to end extreme poverty, support sustainable economic growth, and strengthen peace, security, and good governance. Through its international programs, FCDO fosters innovative development partnerships, particularly with the private sector, to deliver long-term impact. In Kenya, FCDO has partnered with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) Kenya to implement catalytic initiatives that create inclusive economic opportunities. PwC Kenya is a leading consulting organization with expertise in research, financial advisory, and program management, enabling evidence-based decision-making for development interventions.

Together, FCDO and PwC Kenya oversee the Kenya Catalytic Jobs Fund (KCJF), a program designed to accelerate job creation by supporting high-potential small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). By providing targeted funding, research, and policy insights, the Fund identifies scalable innovations that can drive employment growth across diverse sectors. The initiative reflects FCDO’s commitment to fostering private sector-led development while addressing systemic challenges faced by Kenyan SMEs. The partnership leverages PwC’s technical expertise and FCDO’s development priorities to create sustainable economic transformation. This call for proposals seeks research partners to strengthen KCJF’s second phase by generating actionable insights into SME financing, support structures, and barriers to job creation in Kenya.

About the Grant

The Kenya Catalytic Jobs Fund (KCJF) is a flagship program initiated by FCDO and implemented with PwC Kenya to support SMEs as engines of inclusive job creation. Following the success of its first phase, this call for proposals invites research institutions and private sector actors to conduct a comprehensive study that will inform the design of the second phase. The study aims to identify challenges, opportunities, and effective mechanisms to enhance SME growth and employment generation.

The research will examine SME access to finance, business support systems, regulatory environments, and sector-specific opportunities. Findings are expected to provide clear recommendations for strengthening SME resilience, improving their access to catalytic capital, and designing interventions that enable long-term, large-scale job creation. The total budget allocated for this assignment is GBP 4,000,000, reflecting the scale and importance of this research.

Selected applicants will be expected to bring proven expertise in research, private sector development, and SME ecosystems. The outcomes of this study will directly inform KCJF’s second phase design and implementation strategy, ensuring resources are directed toward impactful, evidence-based solutions that contribute to Kenya’s economic development and employment agenda.

Who can Apply?

This call is open to private sector organizations with demonstrated experience in research, SME development, and program design. Eligible applicants must have the technical expertise to conduct large-scale studies and provide evidence-based recommendations tailored to the Kenyan SME ecosystem.

Applicants should meet the following requirements:

Be a registered private sector entity with legal standing to operate in Kenya or through a consortium with Kenyan presence.
Demonstrated track record in conducting economic, policy, or private sector research, preferably linked to SME growth, entrepreneurship, or job creation.
Strong analytical capacity to generate actionable insights and recommendations that can inform program design.
Capability to manage large budgets and complex research assignments, ensuring value for money and accountability.
Experience working with international development partners, donors, or similar catalytic funding programs is highly desirable.

Organizations with sector-specific expertise in agriculture, manufacturing, services, and digital innovation will be at an advantage, given the importance of these sectors to SME growth in Kenya. Consortia and partnerships are encouraged, provided there is clear leadership and accountability. Applicants must also demonstrate the ability to engage with diverse stakeholders, including policymakers, financiers, and SME representatives.

How to Apply?

Interested private sector organizations should prepare a detailed proposal addressing the research objectives, methodology, work plan, budget, and organizational capacity. Applications must include evidence of relevant experience and references to similar assignments. Proposals should be submitted electronically to the contracting authority, PwC Kenya, by the specified deadline. Shortlisted applicants may be invited for further clarification or interviews before the final selection.