Background

SoCha holds a prime contract with the USAID/Kenya and East Africa (KEA) Mission to implement the USAID Localization, Inclusion, and Sustainability Activity (LISA). SoCha works with the Mission and helps its staff, partners, and stakeholders be more efficient, effective, transparent, inclusive, and skilled in achieving development outcomes.

Kilifi County is on the brink of substantial economic growth across key sectors, including the Blue Economy, Agriculture, Trade and Investment, Tourism, Health, Education and ICT, and Environment. To harness this potential, the County Government of Kilifi, through its Department of Trade, Tourism Promotion, and Co-operative Development, in collaboration with other government agencies and key stakeholders, is organizing the Kilifi County Investment Conference in November 2024.

USAID is seeking the support of SoCha/LISA to hire a consultant to develop an investment opportunities handbook for Kilifi County to attract investors. The county has identified several promising opportunities and requires a consultant to conduct further research and create a comprehensive investment handbook. This handbook will detail each opportunity and serve as a crucial resource for the county’s resource mobilization and partnership-building efforts, especially for the upcoming Kilifi County Investment Conference in November 2024 and beyond.

The conference aims to attract over 200 potential investors and more than 2,000 delegates from various governmental and private sector backgrounds, both local and international. The primary objectives are to showcase Kilifi’s investment potential, foster strategic partnerships, and mobilize resources to drive economic recovery and development.

Scope of Work

USAID/KEA Office of Economic Growth and Integration seeks LISA’s support for the research and development of a Kilifi County Investment Handbook, which details why Kilifi County is a strategic location for business investments in addition to detailing investment opportunities.

The Consultant will:

• Conduct comprehensive research and identify four key investments opportunities (bankable projects).
  • Gather and analyze data on Kilifi County’s economic landscape, key sectors, and existing investment opportunities and list four investment opportunities.
• Conduct pre-feasibility study on the four key investments opportunities (bankable projects).

This will be a preliminary evaluation of potential investments to determine their viability, which will include:

• Market analysis
  • Supply and Demand Assessment: Evaluate the market demand for the product or service and the current supply.
  • Target Market Identification: Identify the potential customers or end-users.
  • Competitive Landscape: Analyze the competition and market share distribution.
• Technical Feasibility
  • Technology Requirements: Identify the technology needed for the project.
  • Preliminary Design and Engineering: Conduct an initial assessment of the design and engineering requirements.
  • Resource Availability: Evaluate the availability of raw materials, utilities, and other resources.
• Financial Analysis
  • Preliminary Cost Estimates: Estimate the initial capital expenditure (CAPEX) and operational expenditure (OPEX).
  • Revenue Projections: Forecast potential revenue streams.
  • Profitability Analysis: Calculate key financial metrics such as Net Present Value (NPV), Internal Rate of Return (IRR), and payback period.
• Risk Assessment
  • Identification of Risks: Identify potential risks related to the project (technical, financial, market, operational, etc.).
  • Risk Mitigation Strategies: Suggest preliminary strategies to mitigate identified risks.
• Legal and Regulatory Analysis
  • Compliance Requirements: Identify relevant laws, regulations, and permits required for the project.
  • Environmental and Social Impact: Conduct an initial assessment of the environmental and social impacts.
• Operational Feasibility
  • Operational Plan: Outline the operational plan and management structure.
  • Human Resources: Assess the human resource requirements and availability.
  • Timeline and Milestones: Develop a preliminary timeline and key milestones for the project.
• Stakeholder Analysis
  • Key Stakeholders: Identify key stakeholders and their interests.
  • Engagement Plan: Develop an initial plan for stakeholder engagement and communication.

Deliverables

Investment Handbook

● Organize the content in a clear, concise, and engaging manner.

● Ensure the handbook includes an introduction, background information, sector overviews, individual investment profiles, and a conclusion.

Pre-feasibility Study Report

● Summary of Findings: Summarize the key findings of the pre-feasibility study.

● Recommendations: Provide recommendations on whether to proceed with a detailed feasibility study.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience

To effectively write the investment handbook and conduct the pre-feasibility study for Kilifi County, the consultant/firm should meet the following requirements:

• A degree in Economics, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field. Advanced degrees (e.g., MBA, Master’s in Economics) are preferred.
• Proven experience in investment analysis, economic development, or financial consulting.
• Previous work on developing investment handbooks, market studies, or similar documents preferred.
• Experience working with governmental or non-governmental organizations, particularly in economic development projects.
• In-depth knowledge of key sectors such as the Blue Economy, Agriculture, Trade and Investment, Tourism, Health, Education and ICT, and Environment
• Strong understanding of the economic landscape and investment climate in Kenya, particularly in Kilifi County.
• Strong analytical abilities to assess market trends, financial projections, and risk assessments in addition to interpreting complex data and presenting it clearly and concisely.
• Expertise in conducting comprehensive and targeted research, with the ability to gather, analyze, and synthesize information from diverse sources.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with proficiency in writing clear, engaging, and informative content tailored to potential investors and stakeholders. Experience in stakeholder engagement and conducting interviews.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage the project from inception to completion, ensuring timely delivery of the investment handbook.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and other relevant software. Familiarity with graphic design tools or collaboration with designers for layout and visual elements.
• Understanding of the socio-economic context and cultural nuances of Kilifi County and Kenya, with sensitivity to local needs and perspectives to ensure the handbook is relevant and impactful.
• A portfolio showcasing previous work on similar projects and availability of references or testimonials from previous clients or employers preferred.

By meeting these requirements, the consultant will be well-equipped to develop a high-quality investment handbook that effectively promotes Kilifi County’s investment opportunities and attracts potential investors.

Location

Kenya

Period of Performance

20 LOE days (mid-July – September 2024)