About this opportunity
The Pastoralism and Livestock Adaptation to Climate Change in Eastern Africa Program (PLACE), through its Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Grant Facility, is now inviting applications from eligible SMEs in Kenya. This initiative is part of the European Union-funded Regional PLACE programme and is implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
The grant facility aims to support innovative and scalable enterprises that enhance climate resilience, promote sustainable livestock systems, and strengthen pastoral livelihoods. The grant facility aims to strengthen climate-resilient pastoral and agro-pastoral market systems by supporting SMEs that play a key role in livestock value chains.
Through milestone-based matching grants combined with business development services, the facility will help enterprises expand their operations, improve productivity, strengthen market access, and increase value addition while contributing to more resilient livelihoods in pastoral areas. Who should apply: Eligible small and medium-sized enterprises operating in Kenya with solutions that contribute to climate adaptation in the livestock and pastoralism sectors are encouraged to apply.
Applicants must be registered and/or operating in one or more of the following PLACE programme target counties: Mandera Narok Kajiado Turkana West PokotEligible applicants are legally registered small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in, or directly supporting, the following pastoral and agro-pastoral value chains. Milk and dairy products Red meat processing and trade Live animal trade Fodder production, processing and supply Honey and apiculture products Agro-forestryEligible enterprises may operate across different stages of these value chains, including input supply, veterinary and livestock services, aggregation, processing, storage, logistics, quality assurance and market distribution.
Applicants must also: Be legally registered in Kenya Operate within, or demonstrably serve, one or more of the PLACE target counties Employ fewer than 20 full-time staff Have an annual turnover below USD 100,000 Commit to providing a minimum 25% cash co-contribution towards the proposed investment. Youth- and women-led enterprises are particularly encouraged to apply .
Grant amount Successful applicants may receive matching grants ranging from USD 5,000 to USD 15,000. Applicants are required to provide a minimum 25 percent cash co-contribution toward the total investment cost.
Eligible investments The grant facility supports productive investments that strengthen pastoral and agro-pastoral value chains, including: Machinery, equipment and tools Processing, storage and aggregation infrastructure Quality improvement and compliance equipment Transport assets linked to value chains Climate-smart technologies Traceability and digital systems Value addition technologies. All grant recipients will also receive Business Development Services, including training, mentorship and technical advisory support to strengthen enterprise performance and investment outcomes.
Selection process
Applications will be assessed against the
Eligibility
and evaluated competitively based on the quality and feasibility of the proposed investment. In particular, the assessment will consider: Strength and feasibility of the business model Technical and financial viability of the proposed investment Potential to generate employment and strengthen local livelihoods Contribution to climate adaptation and environmental sustainability Promotion of inclusion and equitable participation, particularly for women- and youth-led enterprises Alignment with the PLACE Programme objectives and targeted value chains.
Successful applicants may be contacted by FAO to provide additional information or participate in a verification visit before the final selection of grant recipients.
Application steps
Interested applicants should complete the Grant Application Form and submit all required supporting documents by August 7, 2026. https://docs.
google. com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfJzVBaZERRL-jBlIZ8_UGBic60GPMy8FTqZsBYy0UpAD7VaQ/viewform
Who can apply
- eligible SMEs in Kenya
Sources and verification
- Official source , Discovered by the opportunity automation module.
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