1. Background and Rationale
ChildFund Kenya, in collaboration with relevant sector stakeholders, seeks to strengthen community development initiatives by promoting youth employability through demand-driven vocational skills. One of the emerging opportunities lies in Interlocking Stabilised Soil Block (ISSB) technology, which offers an affordable, climate-smart, and sustainable building solution for housing, community structures, and infrastructure projects. ISSB technology has gained traction among NGOs, contractors, county governments and community groups because it reduces construction costs, minimizes the need for mortar, and supports eco-friendly building practices. Counties promoting low-cost housing and climate-resilient settlements increasingly rely on ISSB for schools, health facilities, staff housing and community infrastructure. Despite the rising need for ISSB structures, the sector faces significant challenges:
a) Most ISSB practitioners have acquired skills informally.
b) There is no standardised curriculum dedicated to ISSB production or construction.
c) Many artisans lack essential skills in block quality control, machine operation, soil preparation, curing, and structural application.
d) Youth interested in the trade have limited access to formal training opportunities.
e) Variations in block quality, construction techniques, and safety practices reduce confidence in the technology.
To address these challenges, ChildFund Kenya seeks to commission a Labour Market Assessment (LMA) to generate evidence required for designing a competency-based ISSB curriculum. The assessment will provide data on labour demand, supply gaps, industry requirements and emerging opportunities for youth employment and enterprise development.
The findings will guide the development and harmonization of a standardized curriculum that equips trainees with the technical, entrepreneurial and safety competencies required in the ISSB value chain. Ultimately, this initiative will enhance youth employability, support community construction projects and promote sustainable building technologies in Kenya.
2. Objectives of the Assignment
2.1 General Objective
To conduct a comprehensive LMA that will provide the evidence base for the design and development of a competency-based curriculum for Interlocking Stabilized Soil Block (ISSB) production and construction.
2.2 Specific Objectives
a) To assess the current demand and supply of ISSB practitioners in Kenya.
b) To identify the specific knowledge, skills and attitudes required for ISSB production, machine operation, and construction using ISSB.
c) To analyse skills gaps, training deficiencies and challenges affecting ISSB adoption.
d) To document employer, contractor, community, NGO and county government perspectives on ISSB training priorities.
e) To recommend occupational standards and competencies and the Kenya National Qualifications Framework (KNQF).
f) To provide actionable recommendations for competency-based curriculum development in ISSB.
3. Scope of Work
The consultant will undertake the following:
3.1 Desk Review
a) Review national policies, research reports and standards related to construction trades and alternative building technologies.
b) Benchmark ISSB training and standards from regional and international sources.
3.2 Stakeholder Mapping & Engagement
Identify and engage key actors, including:
a) ISSB machine manufacturers and suppliers.
b) Construction companies using ISSB technology.
c) NGOs implementing shelter and community infrastructure projects.
d) County Departments of Housing, Public Works and Urban Development.
e) Training institutions (TVETs, polytechnics, community colleges).
f) Community groups and youth artisan groups.
3.3 Data Collection
a) Administer surveys and interviews with employers, artisans, contractors, and regulators.
b) Conduct Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with ISSB practitioners, youth groups, and community builders.
c) Collect labour market information on demand trends, skills shortages, wage levels and projected needs.
3.4 Analysis & Recommendations
a) Assess labour demand vs. supply for ISSB skills.
b) Identify occupational profiles, work processes, competency requirements and training gaps.
c) Align findings with NITA’s occupational standards approach and KNQF guidelines.
3.5 Reporting & Validation
a) Prepare a draft report for review by ChildFund.
b) Present findings in a validation workshop with stakeholders.
c) Produce the final report, including a draft competency framework to support curriculum development.
4. Key Deliverables
a) Inception Report –methodology, tools, and detailed work plan.
b) Draft LMA Report – preliminary findings, data analysis, and recommendations.
c) Validation Workshop – presentation of findings to stakeholders.
d) Final LMA Report – incorporating stakeholder inputs.
5. Methodology
The assessment will employ a mixed-methods approach, including:
a) Quantitative surveys with ISSB producers, contractors, and market users.
b) Qualitative interviews with policymakers, training providers, and county officials.
c) Focus group discussions with practitioners, youth, and artisan groups.
d) Benchmarking ISSB occupational standards from other countries.
e) Triangulation of data from all sources to ensure validity and reliability.
6. Duration and Timeline
The assignment is expected to take 15 working days from contract signing:
a) Inception Phase: 2 days
b) Fieldwork: 6 days
c) Data Analysis & Draft Report: 4 days
d) Validation Workshop: 1 day
e) Final Report Submission: 2 days
7. Required Expertise
The consultant/team must demonstrate:
a) Proven experience in conducting Labour Market Assessments for curriculum development.
b) Strong understanding of NITA’s curriculum development process and KNQF.
c) Experience in competency-based curriculum design.
d) Knowledge of construction technologies—ISSB/alternative building technologies is an added advantage.
e) Excellent quantitative and qualitative research skills.
f) Experience working with NGOs, communities, and county governments.
g) Valid tax compliance certificate.
8. Reporting and Supervision
The Consultant will report directly to ChildFund Kenya for technical collaboration
9. Budget and Payment Terms
Payment will be tied to deliverables as follows:
a) 30% upon approval of the Inception Report.
b) 70% upon submission and approval of the Final Report and Competency Framework.
10. Submission Requirements
Interested firms/consultants should submit:
Technical Proposal (max 5 pages)
a) Understanding of the assignment
b)Methodology and approach
c) Work plan
d) Relevant experience
Financial Proposal (KES)
a) Detailed budget
Attachments
a) CVs of lead consultants
b) At least two detailed sample reports of similar assignments
c) Certificate of Registration and PIN/VAT
d) Tax Compliance Certificate
e) At least two referees (with consent)
11. Expected Outcomes
a) A validated labour market report on ISSB sector skills needs in Kenya.
b) Evidence-based recommendations for curriculum development.
c) Enhanced collaboration between ChildFund, county governments, TVETs, industry and communities.
How to apply
The deadline for submission of proposals is 18th December 2025 at 5:00 pm (EAT). Submit to: Email: [email protected] Subject: Labour Market Assessment for Interlocking Stabilised Soil Block (ISSB). Late submissions will not be considered.
