Call for Applications: SWIFT Programme – Kenya

Kenya Climate Innovation Center (KCIC) is an equal opportunity provider and is committed to fostering an environment that values and celebrates diversity in all its forms. They believe in creating an inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem that respects individuals’ backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. They welcome applications from all eligible candidates, regardless of gender, ethnicity, race, religion, disability or socio-economic status.

KCIC will offer successful applicants a letter of agreement for review and thereafter signing, to be officially part of the enterprises supported under the programme. This call for applications aims to onboard a maximum of 55 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Kenya’s waste management sector (with an emphasis on youth and women- led enterprises).

Upon on-boarding to the programme, a needs assessment exercise will be conducted to ascertain the specific needs of the successful applicants. Based on these needs, the successful applicants will receive business advisory, compliance for market access, technical assistance, access to finance, sustainability integration, policy and advocacy and technology solutions support over a one-year incubation period.

The programme seeks to support 110 businesses within the implementation period in Kenya. The expected outcome is to generate over 2,000 direct and 4,000 indirect jobs, enhance the livelihoods of over 5,000 households, and generate revenues of up to USD 500,000 in the pre-urban and urban economies.

Applicants can apply to join either the incubation or the acceleration Programme:

• Incubation Programme
  • This is an 18-month program targeting early-stage businesses that have at least developed a minimum viable product (MVP) or a working prototype (Refer to the definitions section, for clarity of the understanding of these terms). The businesses will receive intensive practical training and business coaching to enable them gain market acceptability and progress towards full commercialization. Clients who successfully complete this program can apply for the KCIC SWIFT Accelerator Programme.
  • Incubation programme eligibility metrics
    • A business registered, located, and operating in Kenya
    • The business must be operating within the waste management sector
    • Business is recognized as a legal entity
    • Business should have management books of accounts of at least 1 year
    • A business must have been operational for at least 2 years
    • Business should have a working prototype/have a minimum viable product
    • Demonstrate the “Do No Harm Principle” from a climate change angle: the business operations/product/technology have an impact on climate adaptation, mitigation, and environmental benefits
    • Revenues should be between USD 10,000 – USD 30,000 per annum
    • The business must currently employ at least 5 employees
    • Proof of Market with at least 5 existing customers.
• Accelerator Programme
  • This is an 18-month program in which clients are provided with highly individualised services aimed at:
    • Setting the clients on a rapid business growth path.
    • Preparing clients to be investor-ready and raise follow-on investments.
  • Acceleration program eligibility metrics
    • A business registered, located and operating in Kenya
    • The company is within waste management sector
    • Business is recognized as a legal entity
    • A business must have been operational for at least 4 years
    • Business should have a working prototype/have a minimum viable product
    • Business should have at least 2 years certified audited book of accounts
    • Demonstrate the “Do No Harm Principle” from a climate change angle: the business operations/product/technology have an impact on climate adaptation, mitigation and environmental benefits
    • Revenues should be above USD 30,000 per annum
    • Job opportunities created for 5-20 employees
    • Proof of Market with at least 10 existing customers.

Eligibility Criteria

• Sector Focus: Business MUST be operational in the Waste Management Sector.
• Geographical Location: The business must be located and legally registered in Kenya.
  • The applicant should be located and operating in Kenya.
• Climate Impact qualifying activity: The applicant should demonstrate the Do No Harm Principle from a climate change angle: the business operations/product/technology have an impact on climate adaptation, mitigation and environmental benefits
• On adaptation: Businesses that contribute to climate change adaptation, e.g., by diversifying income opportunities for communities that cannot continue their traditional way of life as a result of climate change but also by supporting the development, distribution or adoption of new technologies to better deal with climate change.
• Mitigation involves a reduction in emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs) into the atmosphere or absorption of GHGs from the atmosphere.
• Employees from either the Kenya Climate Innovation Center, KCIC Consulting, KCV or affiliated partners in the Agribiz, PUSE, GreenBiz programmes and their immediate family members are not eligible to apply for the program, either individually or as part of a team or Entity.

For more information, visit Kenya Climate Innovation Center (KCIC).