The UK has launched the second round of a business innovation challenge fund in Kenya that will see an additional 5 promising businesses receive grant funding and technical assistance of up to KES 13,000,000 (£100,000) each. The call for proposals will seek to support initiatives that are innovative, sustainable and with the potential to stimulate job creation. The funding made available through the Kenya Catalytic Jobs Fund, will focus on three thematic areas: agriculture and manufacturing; the informal sector; and people in marginalised groups and areas.

The first call for proposals was launched in April 2019 and saw 5 successful businesses receive awards, namely: TakaTaka Solutions; Ten Senses Africa; Lynk Jobs Limited; Savanna Circuit Technologies Limited; and BuildHer

Supported by UKAid, the Kenya Catalytic Jobs Fund is a KES 650 million (£5 million), 4-year programme, which tests and support innovations with the potential to stimulate large-scale job creation. The programme is part of the UK Department for International Development’s broader economic development portfolio in Kenya which: promotes greater private investment including for the poorer regions; invests in better planned urbanisation to expand access to economic opportunities; brings down the barriers and cost of trade; and helps Kenyan firms grow their export markets.

Speaking during the launch of the second call, the Head of DFID Kenya, Julius Court said:

The UK is delighted to be part of efforts to tackle such constraints and promote the growth of private sector in way that creates opportunities for youth. We are listening when Kenyans tell the world they want mutually beneficial partnerships that move beyond aid and attract quality investment and create millions of jobs.

The second call for proposals will close on March 15th, 2020. Applicants  for the UK Business Innovation Challenge In Kenya are requested to submit the online application form which can be downloaded from the Kenya Catalytic Jobs Fund website

Charles Rapulu Udoh

Charles Rapulu Udoh is a Lagos-based lawyer who has advised startups across Africa on issues such as startup funding (Venture Capital, Debt financing, private equity, angel investing etc), taxation, strategies, etc. He also has special focus on the protection of business or brands’ intellectual property rights ( such as trademark, patent or design) across Africa and other foreign jurisdictions.
He is well versed on issues of ESG (sustainability), media and entertainment law, corporate finance and governance.
He is also an award-winning writer.
He could be contacted at udohrapulu@gmail.com