Request for Proposals: Agribiz Programme Value Chain Specific Technical Mentors - Kenya

The mentorship program aims to support, empower, and uplift Agripreneurs fostering sustainable growth and success in their endeavors.

This engagement aims to assist KCIC roll out the mentorship & coaching program for the KCIC AgriBiz program Cohort 4 clients and the subsequent cohorts. The program will support 510 clients with an overall goal of equipping the target clients with technical Agri-perineurial skills that will contribute to their growth. It is expected that as a result of this mentorship and coaching programme, the targeted firms will experience;

• Improved production
• Enhanced systems and processes for efficiency
• Good agricultural practices (GAP)
• Job creation and as a result increase their revenues

The value chain specific mentorship and coaching will serve to complement the business support being offered by KCIC staff to the clients, and will be critical in accelerating the growth of the enterprises under support.

Objective and Scope of the Programme

• The objective of this RFP is to identify and select qualified mentors who possess the specific value chain expertise and experience in;
  • Poultry, livestock & animal husbandry
  • Apiculture
  • Aquaculture
  • Horticulture
  • Agro-processing and Agricultural inputs
• The mentorship program will be highly interactive, allowing Agriprenuers to discover and apply practical proven tools and methodologies that will help them transform their businesses. Mentors with technical expertise in these value chains will work directly with KCIC staff and AgriBiz clients in executing all aspects of the mentorship program. The mentorship program aims to equip the target clients with technical Agri-perineurial skills that will contribute to their growth.

Expected Deliverables and Outputs

By the end of the mentorship program, the following outputs should be delivered to the satisfaction of KCIC:

• Baseline report for each client detailing the validated gaps and the type of mentorship support that shall be provided to address the gaps.
• An Inception report detailing the methodology and overall work plan and milestones over the 6 months programme period.
• A meeting journal for every mentorship session.
• Mid-term report detailing each mentees’ progress.
• Submission and approval of end line survey data for the mentees.
• End of mentorship report for each client detailing the type of mentorship provided, benefits derived, challenges faced and clear recommendations and action plan.

Duration and Timelines: The Agribiz 4th cohort is expected to run for a duration of 6 months beginning November 2023.

Qualifications and Experience

Proposals for the business Mentorship & Coaching program will be considered from qualified individuals that demonstrate and fit the following eligibility criteria;

• General Qualifications
  • A minimum of 5 years’ experience in the specific Agricultural value chains offering SMEs, Start-ups, Early-Stage companies and CBO with technical support.
  • The qualified individual should demonstrate knowledge of working with SMEs, Earlystage companies and CBOs in agribusiness and ideally should have previous experience working with Agri-prenerus in the different value chains.
  • Ability to manage time effectively and prioritize tasks, in order to help mentees balance competing demands and achieve their goals.
  • Prior experience in formal business coaching/mentorship or experience working in an SME environment will be an added advantage.
  • High level of written and oral communication skills in both English and Kiswahili.
  • Having a business-related Master’s degree from an accredited university will be an added advantage.
  • Priority will be given to mentors from the host Hubs (counties) where the AgriBiz clients are located.
• Specific Value Chain Qualification
  • Livestock and animal husbandry (Dairy, Goats, Sheep, Camel, Beef cattle, Pigs)
    • Minimum of 5 years of practical experience in the specific livestock sector.
    • In-depth knowledge of animal health, nutrition, breeding, and management practices.
  • Poultry
    • A minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in poultry farming.
    • Expertise in poultry management, disease control, and biosecurity measures.
  • Horticulture/Agronomy
    • Minimum of 5 years of experience in horticulture or agronomy.
    • Strong background in crop production, soil management and testing, and pest control.
  • Apiculture
    • Minimum of 5 years’ experience in beekeeping and honey production.
    • Expertise in bee management, hive maintenance, and disease & pest control.
  • Aquaculture
    • Minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in aquaculture operations.
    • Proficiency in fish farming techniques, including water quality management.
  • Agro-processing/Value addition
    • Minimum of 5 years of experience in agroprocessing and value addition.
    • Expertise in food processing, preservation and post-harvest management, and packaging.

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