Tenders Are Invited For Design And Delivery Of A Product Quality Assurance And Standardization Training For Reap Retail Trading Groups

Tenders are invited for Design and Delivery of a Product Quality Assurance and Standardization Training for REAP Retail Trading Groups This assignment responds directly to structural findings of the REAP Tracer Study (Chapters 19 and 23) regarding retail market saturation and the absence of quality or market differentiation among REAP-supported traders: Retail trade dominates REAP enterprises (82.6 percent of all enterprises), and 96.2 percent of enterprises overall are concentrated in retail trade and livestock, creating market saturation and collective vulnerability to the same demand-side shocks. Products are undifferentiated and price is the only competitive lever (Chapter 19 vendor interviews): the emergence of new kiosks selling essentially the same goods has driven downward pressure on prices and margins for all sellers in the same market row. Market competition is the second most cited constraint on applying REAP skills, reported by 63.7 percent of respondents, after capital shortfalls. Market linkages are largely absent (Recommendation 5): 64.0 percent of enterprises have no formal or informal market linkage, and stock is sourced through unverified, informal spot-purchase arrangements rather than structured supplier agreements. A strong group-based foundation already exists to build on (Recommendation 8): 99.3 percent of REAP beneficiaries report group membership (VSLA/cooperative structures), providing a ready platform for collective, group-level quality assurance practice and joint market access. The tracer studys overarching conclusion is that the programme needs to shift from enterprise entry support toward enterprise incubation, including market linkages and differentiation strategies for existing enterprises, not only diversification into new sectors. A product quality assurance and standardization training, aligned with the frameworks used by Kenyas national quality and trade institutions, offers retail trading groups a practical route to differentiate their goods, build consumer and buyer confidence, and reduce the price-based competition documented in the study. Purpose and Objectives of the Assignment Overall Objective To equip REAP-supported retail trading groups with the practical knowledge, tools and referral pathways needed to source, handle and sell quality-assured goods that meet recognized Kenyan quality and trade standards, specifically those administered by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) and the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), so that groups can differentiate from saturated local competition and access more competitive markets. Specific Objectives Build practical, group-level understanding of the KEBS quality frameworks most relevant to REAP retail product categories: The Standardization Mark (S-Mark) for locally manufactured goods, the Import Standardization Mark (ISM) for imported stock, and the Diamond Mark of Quality (D-Mark) as a voluntary premium differentiator, including how groups can verify supplier and product compliance and avoid substandard or counterfeit stock. Train groups on basic product handling, storage, display, labelling and record-keeping practices consistent with recognized quality and consumer-protection standards, building on the existing REAP business skills curriculum. Orient retail trading groups on KNCCI Garissa Chapter membership, registration and trade facilitation services, and support interested groups to begin the practical steps toward group or cooperative registration and chamber membership as a route to wider market recognition. Strengthen group-based collective quality assurance practice and joint market linkages, building on the existing 99.3 percent group membership base, so that REAP retail groups can supply quality-differentiated goods collectively to larger markets, including Garissa town wholesalers, aggregators and other buyers. Equip groups, together with their SOLO, RRDO and SCI coaches and peer mentors, with a simple, low-literacy self-assessment and quality-compliance checklist, and a directory of relevant KEBS and KNCCI contact points, to sustain quality practice after the training ends. Scope of Work The consultant(s) will carry out the assignment in five phases: Phase 1: Inception, Desk Review and Standards Mapping Review the REAP Tracer Study Final Report, existing REAP retail/business skills training content, and relevant KEBS and KNCCI published requirements. Map the KEBS certification schemes and KNCCI membership requirements applicable to REAP retail product categories and to group-based applicants such as VSLAs, cooperatives, and community-based organizations. Submit an inception report with a detailed work plan. Phase 2: Institutional Engagement Consult with the KEBS regional/county office serving Garissa and with the KNCCI Garissa Chapter to confirm current requirements, fees, and any simplified or group-based pathways available to REAP trading groups. Document findings and any partnership opportunities in an institutional engagement brief. Phase 3: Curriculum and Tool Development Develop a standardized, low-literacy, Somali-adapted Quality Assurance and Standardization training curriculum and facilitator guide for retail trading groups. Develop a Group Quality Self-Assessment and Compliance Checklist tool, using visual and demonstration-based formats appropriate for the target population. Develop a KEBS/KNCCI referral directory for groups wishing to pursue registration, membership or certification. Phase 4: Training Delivery Deliver training sessions directly to retail trading groups and their leadership/committees across Ifo 1, Ifo 2, Dagahaley and Host. Co-facilitate with SOLO, RRDO and SCI field staff and peer mentors so the approach can be sustained and reinforced through routine coaching after the assignment ends. Where feasible, facilitate an introductory linkage session between interested groups and KEBS and/or KNCCI representatives. Phase 5: Reporting and Handover Submit a training report with attendance records, pre/post knowledge assessment results and group feedback. Submit a final report comprising the complete standardized quality assurance package and an institutionalization brief with recommendations for sustaining and scaling the approach, including a possible pathway toward group registration or certification in future REAP cohorts. Target Participants REAP-supported retail trading groups (VSLA/cooperative-based), prioritized given the 82.6 percent concentration of REAP enterprises in retail trade. Group leaders and committee members responsible for group purchasing, stock and sales decisions. SOLO, RRDO and SCI livelihoods field staff and selected peer mentors, as co-facilitators to sustain the approach through ongoing coaching. Indicative number of groups/participants: 50, drawn from Ifo 1, Ifo 2, Dagahaley and Hagadera settlements. Expected Deliverables and Indicative Timeline Deliverable and Indicative Timeline 1.Inception report and work plan, including a mapping of KEBS product/quality certification schemes and KNCCI Garissa Chapter membership requirements applicable to REAP retail product categories and group-based (VSLA/cooperative) applicants: Indicative Timeline: 1.Within 5 working days of contract signing 2. Institutional engagement brief documenting outcomes of consultations with the KEBS regional/county office and the KNCCI Garissa Chapter, including confirmed requirements, fees, and any simplified or group-based pathways available to REAP trading groups: Indicative Timeline: Week 2 3. Standardized, low-literacy, Somali-adapted Quality Assurance and Standardization training curriculum and facilitator guide for retail trading groups. Indicative Timeline: Week 2 4.Group Quality Self-Assessment and Compliance Checklist tool, and a KEBS/KNCCI referral directory for groups wishing to pursue registration or certification. Indicative Timeline: Week 2 5.Delivery of training sessions to retail trading groups and their leadership across Ifo 1, Ifo 2, Dagahaley and Host, co-facilitated with SOLO, RRDO and SCI field staff and peer mentors. Indicative Timeline: Week 3-4 6. Training report with attendance records, pre/post knowledge assessment results, and group feedback Indicative Timeline Within 5 working days of training completion. 7. Final report, including the complete standardized quality assurance package and an institutionalization brief with recommendations for sustaining and scaling the approach, including a pathway toward group registration/certification in future cohorts. Closing Date: 13 Aug 2026 Type: Consultancy Tender Link : https://reliefweb.int/job/4224783/design-and-delivery-product-quality-assurance-and-standardization-training-reap-retail-trading-groups