EU Announces Grants For Kenyan Youth and Women- How to Apply

Undated file image of Nairobi job seekers waiting to hand in their applications to an employer.
Undated file image of Nairobi job seekers waiting to hand in their applications to an employer.
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The European Union (EU) in conjunction with other organizations has announced grants for women and youth worth Ksh5.1 billion through the AgriBiz Programme.

Through the partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark (Danida), the African Development Bank (AfDB), and the Kenya Climate Innovation Center (KCIC), the EU stated that they intend to empower youth and women-led business across the 47 counties. 

In addition, the institutions intend to create over 17,000 jobs by supporting local agricultural businesses in the country.

Undated image of a lady selling vegetables at a local fresh produce market.
Undated image of a lady selling vegetables at a local fresh produce market.
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Route to Food Initiative

"The program is projected to cost Kshs 5.1 billion and will support 2,400 women and youth-led agribusinesses to create over 17,000 job opportunities along agricultural value chains."

"The 5- year program seeks to be a catalyst and enabler towards greater involvement of women and youth in agricultural and livestock value chains while providing a range of services needed for early-stage agribusiness enterprises" read a statement by EU," read the statement.

Successful applicants will also be funded through two types of financing depending on the stages of the various businesses. 

The first funding category is intended for business concepts. These applications will be funded through the Proof-of-Concept grant financing (POC) where applicants are eligible for grants worth Ksh257,397 (Euro 2,000) to a Maximum of ksh1,286,968 (Euro 10,000).

On the other hand, applicants with already established businesses will be eligible for the Result-Based funding. They will receive funding from as low as Ksh643,493 (Euro 5000) to a maximum of Ksh1,930,480 (Euro 15000).

Apart from the financial support, applicants will also receive technical support to grow their businesses through various training programs.

How to Apply 

Youth from the age of 18 to 35 years are advised to apply for the grant. However, women of all ages are eligible for the funding.

Interested applicants are advised to make their online application by visiting the Kenya Climate Innovation Center (KCIC) AgriBiz website.

Applicants can also submit physical applications through various the nearest Business Incubation Hubs (BIH). The hubs are located in Machakos, Kisii, Uasin Gishu, Isiolo, Kilifi, Kiambu, Bungoma, and Meru. 

The application window will close on Thursday, October 28.

Poster calling for the grant application released by the Kenya Climate Innovation Center on October 16, 2021.
Poster calling for the grant application released by the Kenya Climate Innovation Center on October 16, 2021.
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