Call for Proposal: KAAT Consultancy for KA4S Agroecology Project

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Pioneering Sustainable Food Systems: KOAN Calls for Experts to Develop the Kenya Agroecology Assessment Tool (KAAT)

Kenya’s agricultural landscape is evolving rapidly. With the 2024 launch of the National Agroecology Strategy for Food Systems Transformation (NAS–FST), agroecology—blending ecological principles with social, economic, and cultural factors—is gaining momentum. Yet, a critical gap remains: no harmonized system exists to verify and market agroecological (AE) products, eroding consumer trust and farmer opportunities.

Enter the Kenya Agroecology Assessment Tool (KAAT), a game-changer KOAN is developing under the KA4S project (Kilimo Hai Agroecology for Schools). Funded by The Rockefeller Foundation and implemented with Practical Action and FiBL, this initiative pilots in Murang’a County from August 2025 to January 2028. KAAT will adapt global tools like FAO’s TAPE (for performance evaluation) and Biovision’s F-ACT (farmer-focused) into a single, PGS-friendly framework. It powers the new Kilimohai Blue Mark, enabling peer-assessed certification for farms, landscapes, and value chains—linking 800+ farmers (especially women and marginalized groups) to schools, markets, and beyond.

Why KAAT Matters

  • Builds Trust: Ensures Agroecology products meet Kenya-specific standards for production, marketing, and consumption.

  • Boosts Livelihoods: Integrates PGS for traceability, school feeding programs, and mainstream markets.

  • Drives Policy: Generates evidence for national scale-up via Participatory Market Chain Approach (PMCA).

The Consultancy Opportunity

KOAN seeks experienced consultants (individuals or firms) for a 10-week assignment:

  • Analyze TAPE/F-ACT against Kenyan contexts.

  • Engage stakeholders (farmers, government, traders) via workshops and pilots.

  • Deliver KAAT prototype, user manual, training materials, and a validation workshop.

Ideal Profile: Advanced degree in agroecology/agriculture; 7+ years in assessment tools; TAPE/F-ACT expertise; participatory facilitation skills.

Download the full Terms of Reference here and submit your expression of interest to procurement@koan.co.ke with a copy to Eustace ekiarii@koan.co.ke by 31st December 2025.

Help shape Kenya’s agroecological future!

Stay tuned for updates on KA4S and join KOAN’s network for capacity building and market linkages.

KOAN Seeks Expert Consultant to Strengthen Organizational Policies for Sustainable Impact

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At KOAN, we’ve spent two decades empowering smallholder farmers through organic agriculture, climate-smart practices, and resilient value chains. We strive to scale our impact by reviewing our core policies and operational guidelines. We’re inviting qualified consultants to facilitate a 2-day participatory workshop in early January 2026. This role involves reviewing 15 key documents from financial and procurement policies to gender and risk management developing a discussion roadmap, guiding inclusive sessions, and delivering updated versions for board approval. If you have a Master’s in environmental science, development studies, or related fields, plus expertise in organizational development and participatory methods, this is your chance to support Kenya’s organic sector.

Submit technical and financial proposals to procurement@koan.co.ke by 19th December 2025 (subject: “RFQ: Consultancy for Facilitating Review of Organization Policies and Operational Guidelines”). Full TOR available here. Join us in building a stronger KOAN for sustainable futures!

Expressions of Interest for Digital Project Management & Power BI Solutions

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The Kenya Organic Agriculture Network (KOAN) is pleased to invite qualified and experienced service providers to submit Expressions of Interest (EOI) for the supply, installation, and training of digital systems to strengthen our project management, monitoring, evaluation, learning, and reporting functions.

As a national membership organization uniting organic producers, processors, traders, consumers, and development partners, KOAN continues to invest in robust digital systems to support Results-Based Management (RBM), data-driven decision-making, and accountability across our programs.

Purpose of the EOI
KOAN seeks proposals for two key digital system components:

  1. Project Management Software with Integrated Results-Based Management (RBM) Tools — TolaData
  2. Acquisition, Installation, and Training of Data Analysis Tools — Microsoft Power BI

This assignment will enable KOAN to enhance monitoring, evaluation, learning, reporting, and multi-project portfolio management.

Scope of Work
For the RBM project management system (TolaData), the selected service provider will support acquisition, installation, configuration, onboarding, and staff training. The system must support logframes, indicator tracking, dashboards, reporting, activity planning, multi-project management, user access controls, and integration with external tools including Power BI.

For Power BI, the supplier will be responsible for licensing, installation, configuration, and capacity building for key KOAN staff. Training will include practical dashboard development, data modeling, reporting workflows, and one refresher session within 30 days.

Expected Deliverables

  • Fully configured RBM project management system
  • Trained KOAN staff on system usage, dashboards, and reporting
  • Installed and configured Power BI tools
  • Practical Power BI training for project reporting
  • User manuals, documentation, and post-implementation technical support

All systems must include a minimum 12-month warranty and support period.

Evaluation Criteria
Proposals will be evaluated based on:

  • Technical compliance with RBM and M&E requirements
  • Experience in NGO/CSO digital system implementation
  • Delivery timelines and training capacity
  • Team qualifications
  • Data protection and security compliance
  • Financial competitiveness and after-sales support

Supplier Eligibility
Interested suppliers must submit:

  • Certificate of incorporation
  • Valid tax compliance certificate
  • PIN/VAT registration
  • Proof of Microsoft and TolaData authorization
  • Company profile and at least three references
  • Signed conflict of interest and confidentiality declarations

Submission Details
Submissions must include:

  • Separate technical and financial proposals in PDF format
  • Detailed cost breakdown (inclusive of VAT)
  • Proposed implementation and training plan

All submissions should be emailed to procurement@koan.co.ke with the appropriate subject line no later than 10th December 2025.

Clarifications
Requests for clarification must be submitted by 8th December 2025 via procurement@koan.co.ke.

KOAN reserves the right to accept or reject any bid and is not obligated to award the lowest-priced proposal.

We invite qualified ICT and data systems service providers to partner with KOAN in strengthening digital project management and performance reporting for sustainable agriculture development in Kenya.

 

Call for Consultants: Monitoring & Evaluation for the KA4S Agroecology Project in Murang’a County

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The Kenya Organic Agriculture Network (KOAN), in partnership with Practical Action and the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL), is pleased to announce an open call for qualified consultants to support Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) activities for the project “Developing a Sustainable Kilimohai Market System for Agroecological School Meals and Mass Markets in Murang’a County, Kenya (KA4S).”

The project is supported by The Rockefeller Foundation.

KA4S aims to strengthen agroecological food systems by piloting the Kilimohai Blue mark for school meal programmes and mass markets, enhancing farmer livelihoods, and improving access to nutritious, locally produced food for school children.

We are seeking an experienced consultant or consultancy firm to undertake the Baseline, Midline, and Endline assessments—including data collection, analysis, and reporting for key indicators across schools, PGS groups, farmers, and consumers.

Scope of Work

The assignment covers:

  • Baseline, midline, and endline surveys
  • Data collection among 20 PGS groups, 30 schools, farmers, and markets
  • Comprehensive narrative reports
  • Excel raw data sheets and indicator calculations
  • Participation in inception, validation, and review meetings

Eligibility Requirements

Interested consultants must demonstrate:

  • Advanced academic qualifications (Master’s degree minimum)
  • Proven expertise in Monitoring & Evaluation
  • Experience with agriculture, agroecology, rural development, or market systems
  • Strong analytical, communication, and reporting skills
  • Ethical, reliable, and transparent working practices

How to Apply

Submit a single PDF file containing:

  1. Letter of Interest + Technical Proposal (max 4 pages)
  2. Financial Proposal (1 page)
  3. Consultant CV(s) (max 2 pages each) with references

Deadline: 10th December 2025

For comprehensive details, please read the Terms of Reference https://www.koan.co.ke/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/ToR-for-ME-Consultant-KA4S.pd

We encourage all qualified individuals and firms to apply and support the advancement of agroecology and school nutrition in Kenya.

KOAN Exhibits at the International Conference on Contract Farming 2025

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KOAN is excited to participate in the International Conference on Contract Farming (ICCF) 2025, taking place on 18th–19th November 2025 at the Sarit Expo Centre, Nairobi. This year’s theme, “Exploring Market Opportunities in Contract Farming”, brings together sector leaders, farmers, agribusinesses, government agencies, and development partners to discuss innovations and opportunities that strengthen contract farming ecosystems.

We are proud to be exhibiting at Booth No. 4 from 8:00am to 5:00pm, engaging with stakeholders on organic agriculture, market access, certification systems, and sustainable value chains in Kenya.

KOAN Speaker Announcement

We are pleased to share that Eustace will be speaking during the Sustainability and Climate-Resilient Contract Farming panel discussion.
This session will explore:

  • Integrating climate-smart agriculture practices into contract farming.

  • The role of agricultural insurance, credit guarantees & blended finance in mitigating risks.

  • Importance of renewable energy, water efficiency & circular economy solutions in agriculture.

  • Incentivizing sustainable sourcing and green certification schemes such as organic and agroecology labels.

This discussion will highlight policy and private-sector measures promoting climate resilience and sustainability across value chains.

Key Resources

Why ICCF Matters

Building on the success of the 2024 inaugural event, ICCF 2025 focuses on creating stronger market linkages, enhancing compliance with global standards, and driving inclusivity in contract farming. Discussions include smart farming technologies, buyer connections, ethical sourcing, and policy frameworks that shape the future of agricultural markets.

KOAN looks forward to two days of knowledge-sharing, networking, and exploring new opportunities for farmers and agribusinesses in Kenya and beyond.

Visit us at Booth No. 4!
#ICCF2025

KOAN Announces Call for Expression of Interest (EOI) – Supply of Laptops and Motorcycles

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The Kenya Organic Agriculture Network (KOAN) invites qualified and reputable suppliers to submit their Expression of Interest (EOI) for the supply of laptops and motorcycles. This initiative supports KOAN’s ongoing efforts to strengthen operational capacity and enhance service delivery across its programs and field operations.

We are seeking suppliers who can provide high-quality equipment, reliable after-sales support, and timely delivery. The laptops will support our administrative and technical teams across Nairobi, while the motorcycles will facilitate field operations and farmer-support activities in Busia.

Interested suppliers are requested to review the full EOI document for submission requirements, specifications, and timelines.

🔗 Click here to read the full EOI document:
https://www.koan.co.ke/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/KOAN-Expression-of-Interest-EOI-to-Supply-Laptops-and-Motorcycles.pdf

Poison for Profit: EU Double Standards Harming Kenyan Farmers and Ecosystems

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A new report titled “Poison for Profit – The Cost of EU Double Standards on Biodiversity, Human Health and Livelihoods” has revealed a concerning practice: European companies are exporting pesticides banned within the EU to Kenya and other developing countries, with devastating consequences for people and the environment.

The report, produced by Swedwatch in collaboration with the Kenya Organic Agriculture Network (KOAN) and Swedish Society for Nature Conservation (SSNC), documents the human and ecological costs of these exports.

Toxic Trade, Toxic Impact

Field research in Kenya uncovered widespread health and environmental effects linked to the use of these hazardous chemicals.
Farm workers and community members reported symptoms ranging from skin and eye irritation, respiratory problems, and in some cases, fatal poisonings. Health professionals noted increasing cancer rates in agricultural regions, while farmers observed alarming declines in biodiversity including the disappearance of bees and other pollinators crucial to food production. Contaminated water sources have also been reported in heavily sprayed areas.

Despite Kenya’s recent move to ban 77 highly hazardous pesticides and restrict over 200 others, the influx of banned EU pesticides continues to undermine local regulatory progress and endanger both human health and ecosystems.

A Call for Global Accountability

The report calls on the European Union and pesticide manufacturers to align their trade policies with their domestic safety standards. It urges the EU to prohibit the export of pesticides that are banned within its borders and to support countries like Kenya in transitioning towards safer, agroecological alternatives.

At KOAN, we reaffirm our commitment to promoting organic and agroecological farming systems that safeguard farmers, consumers, and nature. We believe that the pursuit of profit must never come at the cost of human lives or environmental integrity.

“Our farmers deserve access to safe, sustainable farming inputs not to be used as a testing ground for products deemed too dangerous elsewhere.”

Read the Full Report

To explore the detailed findings, personal testimonies, and policy recommendations, download the full report below:

👉 Download the Report: Poison for Profit

Read Swedwatch Article: The Cost of EU Double Standards on Biodiversity, Human Health and Livelihoods

KOAN Careers: Finance & Administration Assistant Position

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VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION ASSISTANT

13th October, 2025    

 

  1. About KOAN

Kenya Organic Agriculture Network (KOAN) is a national membership organization that promotes the development of organic agriculture in Kenya. It brings together key stakeholders including farmers, NGOs and CBOs, research institutions, input suppliers, government agencies, exporters, retailers, and consumers. KOAN’s mission is to lead, coordinate, and promote the growth of the organic agriculture sector, highlighting its economic, environmental, and social benefits. We are seeking a proactive, detail-oriented, and dedicated Finance and Administration Assistant to support KOAN’s operational excellence and strategic growth.

 

Position: Finance & Administration Assistant
Department: Administration and Finance
Reports To: Finance & Administration Manager
Location: Nairobi, Kenya.
Deadline for Application: 24th October, 2025

 

  1. Purpose of Position

The Finance & Administration Assistant will support financial management, accounting tasks, and administrative operations to ensure efficient, transparent, and compliant organizational processes. This role plays a key part in maintaining financial integrity, supporting donor compliance, and ensuring smooth office operations.

 

  1. Key Responsibilities
    • Scope of Work

        Financial Management

    • Budgeting & Forecasting: Assist in the preparation of annual budgets, project budgets, and cash flow forecasts.
    • Financial Reporting: Prepare accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial and donor reports.
    • Bookkeeping & Accounting: Maintain correct and complete financial records in line with accounting standards.
    • Cash Flow & Bank Management: Monitor cash flow, reconcile bank statements, and ensure availability of operational funds.
    • Audit & Compliance: Support internal and external audits while ensuring compliance with statutory, donor, and tax regulations.
    • Internal Controls & Risk Management: Assist in implementing controls to minimize financial risk and fraud.
  • Administrative & Operational Support
  • Office Administration: Manage office supplies, equipment, filing systems, and facilities.
  • Procurement & Asset Management: Assist with procurement processes and maintain asset and inventory registers.
  • Human Resources Support: Assist in payroll preparation, staff records, recruitment logistics, and HR documentation.
  • Policy Implementation: Support the development and enforcement of financial and administrative policies and procedures.
  1. Reporting Structure

The Finance & Administration Assistant reports directly to the Finance and Administration Manager.

  1. Qualifications and Competencies
    • Education:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Commerce, or a related field.
  • Professional qualification (CPA/ACCA) is an added advantage.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (formulas, data entry, analysis) and MS Word (document preparation).
  • Basic understanding of accounting principles and financial record-keeping.
  • Experience with accounting software will be an added advantage.
  • Strong numerical accuracy and attention to detail.
  • Experience:
  • Minimum of 3–5 years’ experience in finance and administrative roles.
  • Experience in NGO or donor-funded projects is desirable.
  • Skills and Competencies
  • Strong knowledge of accounting principles and compliance standards.
  • Proficiency in accounting software (e.g. QuickBooks) and advanced Microsoft Excel.
  • Excellent analytical, reporting, and problem-solving skills.
  • High level of integrity, confidentiality, and ethical conduct.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Strong interpersonal skills, integrity, and attention to detail.
  • Excellent organizational and time-management abilities.
  • Good communication and teamwork skills.
  • Willingness to learn and ability to work under minimal supervision.
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
  1. Working Conditions
  • Hours: Full-time (Monday–Friday), with occasional travel.
  • Location: Based at KOAN headquarters
  • Contract Type: Contractual
  1. Application Process

Interested candidates should submit their CV, cover letter, and any relevant certifications and testimonials via the link below: https://bit.ly/KOANFinanceAdmin2025 by 31st October 2025.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

View and download the job description HERE.

END

 

Consultancy Opportunity – Baseline Survey for Improving Chia & Sesame Smallholders Livelihoods through Climate‑Smart Practices

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Introduction

The Kenya Organic Agriculture Network (KOAN) is excited to announce a consultancy opportunity to conduct a baseline survey for the project titled “Improving Chia and Sesame Smallholders’ Livelihoods through Climate‑Smart Practices.” This foundational study will provide critical data to guide interventions, monitor progress, and ensure meaningful impact.

Why this baseline matters

  • Evidence-based decision-making: The survey will establish key metrics on smallholder farming practices, yields, socio-economic conditions, and climate resilience among chia and sesame farmers before project interventions begin.

  • Measurement of change: With baseline data in hand, KOAN and partners can measure improvements in farmers’ productivity, income, climate adaptation, and adoption of sustainable practices over time.

  • Inclusivity and targeting: Insights from the baseline will help tailor interventions to groups who may be marginalized (women, youth, resource-poor farmers) and ensure equitable benefits.

  • Transparency and accountability: Funders, stakeholders, and the public will have a solid reference point for evaluating project performance and impact.

Scope of the consultancy

The full Terms of Reference (ToR) is available here:
Terms of Reference – Baseline Survey for the Chia & Sesame Project (PDF)

Key tasks will include, but are not limited to:

  • Designing the survey methodology and instruments (questionnaires, guides)

  • Sampling design and field deployment

  • Data collection, quality assurance, cleaning, and analysis

  • Producing a baseline report with recommendations

  • Engaging stakeholders (farmers, extension agents, local leaders) in validation and feedback

Who should apply

We seek a consultant or firm with:

  • Proven experience in agricultural baseline surveys (especially smallholders)

  • Skills in quantitative and qualitative methods

  • Familiarity with climate‑smart agriculture, oilseed or niche crops (chia, sesame preferred)

  • Strong report writing and stakeholder facilitation capacity

  • Ability to work in rural settings and deliver within timelines

How to apply

Interested consultants/firms should submit the following:

  1. Technical proposal (methodology, work plan)

  2. Financial proposal / budget

  3. Relevant past work samples

  4. CV(s) of proposed team

Submit via email to KOAN’s procurement team procurement@koan.co.ke by 27th October 2025.

Conclusion

This consultancy is pivotal to ensuring that the project’s interventions are grounded in real data, responsive to farmers’ needs, and effective in improving livelihoods. We encourage experienced professionals to take up this opportunity and contribute to sustainable agriculture transformation in Kenya.

Stimulating Organic Trade using EAOPS (Kilimohai Mark): Companies in Kenya join hands through the AFPQ Project

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On 31st July and 1st August 2025, the Kenya Organic Agriculture Network (KOAN) joined regional stakeholders at the Gelian Hotel, Machakos for a two-day workshop on strengthening regional organic trade under the African Free Continental Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework. The event was part of the GIZ-AFPQ Project, coordinated by Biovision Africa Trust (BvAT) with support from implementing partners KOAN (Kenya), NOGAMU (Uganda), and TOAM (Tanzania).

Represented by Samuel Ndung’u (Programmes Manager), Wycliff Nyamao (Project Officer), and Mary Melicer Otieno (Programmes Assistant and Office Administrator), KOAN played an active role in shaping conversations around the East African Organic Products Standards (EAOPS), also known as the Kilimohai Mark, which has become a unifying mark of trust for organic trade across Eastern Africa.

Validating findings and identifying gaps
A key highlight of the workshop was the presentation and validation of findings from the baseline study on organic trade in Eastern Africa, which assessed market trends, compliance levels, gaps, and opportunities for growth. Stakeholders including certification bodies, national bureaus, and private sector players engaged in rich discussions on how to make recommendations more actionable and relevant to country-specific contexts.

For Kenya, the study highlighted both opportunities for expanding organic exports and the need to address capacity gaps among companies seeking to comply with EAOPS. KOAN facilitated group discussions that allowed participants to test the Training Needs Assessment (TNA) tools and identify priority areas where businesses require capacity building to fully embrace regional trade opportunities.

KOAN delivered key presentations on:
• The role of KOAN in advancing organic agriculture in Kenya, including market development, certification support, and policy advocacy.
• The history, development, and ongoing review of EAOPS (Kilimohai Mark) as a driver of cross-border trade, credibility, and consumer trust in organic products.

These sessions set the stage for conversations on how companies can leverage the Kilimohai Mark to build competitiveness in regional and continental markets under AfCFTA.

Regional Collaboration and Future Prospects
The workshop also featured an introduction to the African Regional Standards Organization (ARSO), reinforcing the importance of aligning EAOPS with continental trade frameworks to ease the movement of organic goods across borders. Collaborative discussions underscored the need for harmonized standards, stronger certification systems, and robust consumer awareness to unlock trade potential.

As the event concluded, stakeholders agreed on the importance of capacity building, regional collaboration, and market development as the next steps for scaling organic trade in Eastern Africa. For KOAN, the workshop reaffirmed its commitment to championing the adoption of EAOPS, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring that Kenyan companies are well-prepared to seize opportunities presented by AfCFTA.