Feed the Future Kenya Innovation Engine FY 2016 QIII Quarterly Report

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). A total of 21 innovations have been recommended for funding, with 20 approved for grant funding and four additional Stage 2 awards pending approval. During the quarter period from 1st April 2016 to 30th June 2016, KIE has been dynamic in its implementation. New Stage 2 Awards, Wanda Organic and ALIN, have rapidly begun implementation of their respective pilot roll-out grants. Additionally, USAID approved Stage 2 awards for Value Farms and Indicus EA Ltd., and KIE fully executed the respective award agreements. Implementation of grant activities and milestone achievement is underway for these innovations. KIE has also ramped up its provision of targeted short-term technical assistance (STTA) to Stage 2 innovations, with eight STTA orders approved by USAID during the quarter. KIE has increased its capacity to liaise with grantees and provide oversight of grant implementation and milestone achievement through hiring two additional Portfolio Managers. This will enhance the program's ability to provide high-quality coaching and mentoring. KIE has also completed and submitted to USAID end-line rigorous assessments reports for recently closed-out Stage 1 grants, including Maseno University, University of Nairobi II, Kenya Biologics, and iProcure. As a result of rigorous assessment, Maseno University, Kenya Biologics, and iProcure were recommended for progression to pilot roll-out. In addition to its core activities, KIE has continued to pursue collaboration with other USAID and USG projects and has facilitated co-investing partnerships and linkages with the public and private sector. KIE has also been active on the communications front, participating in a Live Event held at the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi. The event showcased innovations by Kenya Biologics, Amtech Technologies, and Wanda Organic to Embassy staff, including USAID Kenya and East Africa Mission. KIE's support for innovations has led to significant progress in the agriculture and nutrition sectors in Kenya. The program's focus on catalytic grant funding and short-term technical assistance has enabled innovators to develop and implement their ideas, leading to improved agricultural productivity and nutrition outcomes. The program's collaboration with other USAID and USG projects has also facilitated co-investing partnerships and linkages with the public and private sector, enhancing the program's impact and sustainability. The program's rigorous assessment and evaluation processes have ensured that only the most promising innovations are supported, and that progress is made towards achieving the program's goals. The program's commitment to high-quality coaching and mentoring has also enabled grantees to achieve their milestones and make progress towards scaling up their innovations.