Feed the Future Kenya Innovation Engine FY 2016 QI Quarterly Report

- International Development Division under a hybrid fixed-price contract with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Kenya Mission. The program aims to support competitively-selected innovations in agriculture and nutrition through catalytic grant funding and short-term technical assistance. Since March 2013, KIE has received over 670 applications, with 65 shortlisted finalists pitching their innovations to the Investment Advisory Committee (IAC), resulting in 20 innovations recommended for funding. KIE has successfully completed the grant implementation period for KLMC, iProcure, and KEMRI, with end-line meetings held in conjunction with Dalberg. The resulting assessment reports will inform recommendations for stage progression based on innovations' demonstrated ability to achieve scale and impact. KIE will conduct end-line meetings for Maseno University, iProcure, and University of Nairobi (UoN 2) in the next quarter. The program has also conducted a baseline survey for Wave IV Stage 2 awardees, focusing on Takaful Insurance of Africa Limited, Value Farms Ltd, and Indicus EA Ltd. Baseline reports are expected within the coming quarter. KIE has also undertaken Routine Data Quality Assessments (RDQA) for eight awardees and provided follow-up on recommendations for implementation at the field level. The findings aim to enhance readiness for the anticipated mid-term evaluation scheduled for FY2016 Q2. In terms of quantitative impact, KIE has made progress towards achieving select key Performance Monitoring Plan (PMP) targets during the reporting period. However, achievements are less than planned due to the delayed approval of Stage 2 innovations. Table 1 summarizes progress towards the achievement of select PMP targets, with more details provided in Section III of this report. KIE has also responded to a contract modification request for proposal from USAID, submitting a technical and cost proposal outlining its activities, PMP targets, and respective budgets in line with awarding and managing Stage 2 and Stage 3 innovations. Should the modification be approved, KIE will manage the innovations' pilot roll-out of activities in their respective geographies and explore collaboration with other USAID and USG projects, co-investing opportunities from the private sector, and partnership with the public sector. The program has also completed entries into the Feed the Future Monitoring System (FTFMS) spreadsheet and narrative templates. KIE is awaiting USAID approval of custom indicators as submitted in Q1. Overall, KIE continues to support innovations in agriculture and nutrition, with a focus on achieving scale and impact in Kenya. KIE's Innovation Measurement Scale (IMS) has been used to assess the progress of innovations, with a focus on their ability to achieve scale and impact. The IMS has been used to evaluate the innovations' stage progression, with a focus on their ability to transition from "proof of concept" to "pilot roll-out" and eventually to "transition to scale." The IMS has also been used to evaluate the innovations' ability to achieve impact, with a focus on their ability to improve agricultural productivity, increase income, and improve food security. The program has also collaborated with other public and private resources to grow innovations to scale, with local institutions benefiting through cultivation and broad dissemination of innovative practices. KIE has also leveraged other public and private resources to support the innovations, with a focus on achieving scale and impact in Kenya. In terms of geographic focus, KIE has a focus on Kenya, with a focus on supporting innovations in agriculture and nutrition. The program has a strong presence in Kenya, with a focus on supporting innovations in the country's agricultural sector. KIE has also collaborated with other organizations in Kenya, with a focus on achieving scale and impact in the country. Overall, KIE continues to support innovations in agriculture and nutrition, with a focus on achieving scale and impact in Kenya. The program has made significant progress towards achieving its goals, with a focus on supporting innovations that can improve agricultural productivity, increase income, and improve food security in Kenya.