SELECTION OF CONSULTING FIRMS BY THE WORLD BANK GROUP
REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (EOI)
Electronic Submissions through WBGeProcure RFx Now
ASSIGNMENT OVERVIEW
Assignment Title: White Paper on Enhancing Access to Financial Services for Farmers in Kenya through Digital Technolog
Assignment Countries:
ASSIGNMENT DESCRIPTION
This project seeks a qualified firm to conduct an in-depth study on enhancing access to digital financial services (DFS) for smallholder farmers in Kenya. Although Kenya is a leader in digital financial services within Africa, integrating rural farmers into this digital ecosystem presents both challenges and opportunities. Building on existing research, including studies by the World Bank, CGAP, and the IFC that have explored DFS adoption and the impact of mobile money in rural areas, this study aims to deliver a more focused analysis specifically tailored to the agricultural sector. It will address the unique needs of smallholder farmers by examining the DFS landscape, identifying relevant technologies and providers, and making strategic recommendations for fostering financial inclusion, with a strong emphasis on gender and age-specific considerations within farming communities.
The study’s scope includes a comprehensive review of Kenya's regulatory frameworks, market demand, and DFS adoption barriers for smallholder farmers. Additionally, it involves a detailed ecosystem mapping of key actors—such as financial institutions, technology providers, and other stakeholders—to promote a holistic approach to expanding DFS access. Deliverables will include an inception report, a white paper, and a range of communications outputs aimed at informing and influencing key stakeholders. By building on prior research, this project aims to provide actionable, practical strategies to enhance collaboration between the World Bank, Kenya’s Ministry of Agriculture, and other partners. The project is slated for completion by the end of December 2024.
ELIGIBILITY
Eligibility restrictions apply:
- Registered vendor status: preference is given to firms that are registered as vendors in the system
- The firm must not have any previous expereince of being blacklisted by the world Bank
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
The World Bank Group invites eligible firms to indicate their interest in providing the services. Interested firms must provide information indicating that they are qualified to perform the services (brochures, description of similar assignments, experience in similar conditions, availability of appropriate skills among staff, etc. for firms; CV and cover letter for individuals). Please note that the total size of all attachments should be less than 5MB. Firms may associate to enhance their qualifications unless otherwise stated in the solicitation documents. Where a group of firms associate to submit an EOI, they must indicate which is the lead firm. If shortlisted, the firm identified in the EOI as the lead firm will be invited to the request for proposal (RFP) phase.
Expressions of Interest should be submitted, in English, electronically through WBGeProcure RFx Now
NOTES
Following this invitation for EOI, a shortlist of qualified firms will be formally invited to submit proposals. Shortlisting and selection will be subject to the availability of funding.
Only those firms which have been shortlisted will be invited to participate in the RFP phase. No notification or debrief will be provided to firms which have not been shortlisted.
If you encounter technical difficulties while uploading documents, please send an e-mail to the Help Desk at corporateprocurement@worldbank.org prior to the submission deadline.
