Kenya Catalytic Jobs Fund

The Kenya Catalytic Jobs Fund (KCJF) is a four- year, £5M ($6.5M) project created and funded by UK Aid. Sinapis has a decade of experience in advising Kenyan entrepreneurs and running business competitions and was selected in 2019 through a competitive bidding process to manage KCJF. Through Sinapis, KCJF provides grants and technical assistance for innovative businesses in Kenya with the potential to create jobs for vulnerable people and disrupt their sectors. KCJF identifies and empowers game-changing entrepreneurs in the fight against poverty. Managing KCJF is an opportunity to engage with larger businesses who can impact Kenya’s economy and business culture. 

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Since 2019, KCJF has granted funds to 14 entrepreneurs who have created 643 jobs. These leaders aim to create jobs within their own companies and across Kenya through the spillover effects of their innovations.

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In May 2020, UK Aid granted Sinapis an additional £400,000 to identify and empower entrepreneurs who were creating products or services that mitigated challenges presented by COVID. TakaTaka Solutions received one of those new grants to expand its solid waste collection capacity. The company collects discarded plastics through a network of waste pickers, and then sorts and sells recyclables and processed organic waste. The funding allowed TakaTaka to install two new trading points around dumpsites and begin processing COVID-specific waste for incineration. Total plastic collected grew from 9 to 12 tonnes daily. TakaTaka began its relationship with Sinapis through KCJF in 2019 and within a year quickly grew, creating job opportunities down the value chain by building a network of waste pickers. Due to the increased demand for the recycled, ground plastic TakaTaka is producing, plastic waste is being collected from the dumpsite in Nairobi. Reclaimed garbage is increasing incomes, creating new products, and building a sustainable business. TakaTaka has created 285 jobs and projects 700 new jobs by the end of 2022 thanks in part to the funding and business strategy support received from KCJF. 

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The 13 other entrepreneurs currently receiving support through KCJF are all innovating throughout the sectors they represent. Each of these businesses faced hardships and challenges due to the impacts of COVID but persevered in their vision to grow their company and create jobs. 

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KCJF is a significant marker of Sinapis’ growth and reflects the important role we play in developing the future of the Kenyan entrepreneurial landscape. These businesses are high potential, transformative, and will make a significant impact in Kenya for years to come. 

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Because of COVID, we pivoted from a live KCJF Business Competition pitch event to a nationally televised program which aired on KTN on September 1st. The station is one of Kenya’s largest and broadcasts to over two million regular viewers. You can view the show and learn more about our role in KCJF.

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