Introduction:- The European Union, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark (Danida), the African Development Bank (AfDB), and Kenya Climate Innovation Center (KCIC) launched the AgriBiz Programme on March 6^th, 2020 meant to stimulate the growth of women and youth-owned enterprises in the agribusiness sector. While the rollout of this program has been slowed down by the spread of COVID-19, there is hope and opportunity. The program is projected to cost Kshs 5.1 billion and will support 2,400 women and youth-led agribusinesses to create over 17,000 job opportunities along agricultural value chains.

It is envisioned that this program will unlock the potential agribusiness and value chain actors while contributing to increased smallholder production and household incomes. Improved agricultural production will have a positive ripple effect on Food Security, one of the pillars of the Big Four Action Plan being implemented by the Government of Kenya. The Kenya Climate Innovation Center, which is one of the implementing partners, is placing a call for applications to enroll Agribusiness entrepreneurs into the program. The AgriBiz programme will address key challenges that hinder youth and women from tapping into the immense potential in the agricultural sector. The program will equally support the full spectrum of the value chain from agricultural inputs and producers to suppliers for end consumers in conventional agriculture, fisheries, and livestock.

The program will be implemented jointly with eight selected county governments but will be open to citizens from all forty-seven (47) counties. Bungoma, Meru, Kiambu, Machakos, Kisii, Uasin Gishu, Kilifi, and Isiolo County Governments have all signed Memorandums of Understanding with KCIC for the rollout of the Agribiz program and establishment of the Business Incubation Hubs at the county level. Prior to opening the call, county sensitization and awareness forums will be conducted in the 8 counties. Interested applicants with businesses located in the below counties are welcome to apply to these respective hubs;