In a strategic move to bolster Kenya’s economic vitality, the World Bank has given the nod to the Kenya Jobs and Economic Transformation Project (KJET), earmarking a substantial Sh23 billion to empower the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) sector.
With a keen eye on job creation, increased private sector investments, and enhanced market access, KJET is set to benefit a diverse pool of entrepreneurs, prioritizing the upliftment of 6,800 women in the business ecosystem.
Keith Hansen, World Bank Country Director for Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, and Uganda, emphasized the project’s alignment with the institution’s overarching goal of eradicating extreme poverty. “KJET will empower the private sector, spur job creation, and catalyze green investments in our member countries,” Hansen highlighted.
The Kenyan government echoed this enthusiasm, citing the project’s synergy with key national strategies, including Vision 2030, the fourth Medium-Term Plan (MTP4, 2023-2027), and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.
In a collaborative effort, the government and the World Bank aim to mobilize an additional Sh4 billion ($27 million) in private capital, supplementing the Sh23 billion investment. This additional capital is designated to fuel the blended finance Green Investment Fund and introduce an innovative co-investment model for financing MSMEs’ productive capacity.
Ahmed Rostom, World Bank senior financial sector specialist and KJET task team leader, outlined the project’s strategic interventions. These include streamlined licensing processes, improved investment-related laws, and heightened government capacity for investor outreach, all geared towards fortifying business and investment landscapes in Kenya.
The KJET project falls under the purview of the State Department for MSME Development (MSME) and the State Department for Investment Promotion (Trade). Emphasizing the importance of green technologies, the initiative seeks to enhance SMEs’ resilience to climatic shocks, contributing to a sustainable and resilient economic future.
Against the backdrop of an urgent need to diversify job opportunities beyond sectors with low labor productivity, the World Bank’s analysis underscores the pivotal role of the MSME sector in Kenya’s economic landscape.
As the KJET project gains momentum, optimism is palpable that this injection of financial support will serve as a transformative catalyst, unlocking new avenues for entrepreneurs and ushering in a wave of prosperity for the nation.
By: Montel Kamau
Serrari Financial Analyst
15th December, 2023
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