SWIFT Programme Call for Applications. The Kenya Climate Innovation Center (KCIC) is set to implement a programme dubbed the ‘Sustainable Waste Innovation for a Future in Transition (SWIFT)’.   Funded by the IKEA Foundation, the programme is set to run for three years commencing in January 2024, with the primary objective of transforming the waste management sector in Kenya through innovative business models that embrace the principles of circular economy. In the first year of implementation, KCIC will onboard 55 enterprises for support in different areas, including business advisory support, compliance for market access, technical assistance, access to finance solutions, sustainability integration, policy support, and technology solutions.

SWIFT Programme Call for Application Guidelines

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.

To strengthen waste management policies and frameworks, KCIC will strategically work with partners in five counties namely Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru, Kisumu and Uasin Gishu to support the development of policies and regulations to incentivize private sector engagement in waste management and the circular economy. The project will also carry out awareness creation on solid waste management practices and circularity through various channels.

KCIC is placing a call for applications to enrol small and medium-sized enterprises operating in the waste management sector in Kenya into the programme. The applications can be submitted online through the KCIC website. The call for applications will run from 10th January 2024 to 2nd February 2024. Thereafter, evaluation of the applications will be done and responses to the applicants will be communicated by KCIC by 18th February 2024. 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.

Application

All Applications must be submitted online through the Kenya Climate Innovation Center website Application portal between 10th January 2024 to 2nd February2024 at 9:00 PM (21:00) EAT (the “Application Window”)

The Applicants must complete an application form by answering a series of mandatory questions

The applicants must indicate which program they are applying to join into i.e. The Incubation program or Accelerator Programme

Personal information supplied in the application form such as names, addresses and date of birth should be verifiable and the applicant is solely responsible for informing KCIC of changes in current contact methods indicated in their application.

The Applicant must provide current correspondence address, email and telephone numbers and inform of any changes during the review and onboarding process.

Upon submission of the application form, an email will be sent to the Applicant confirming receipt of the application by KCIC.

Once submitted, applications cannot be altered or amended.

Review of applications and shortlisting of applicants will commence immediately after the application window closes.

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

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

Click here to apply