1.0 INTRODUCTION
Solidaridad Eastern and Central Africa is an international civil society organization working to transform markets and make supply chains more sustainable and inclusive. Solidaridad Eastern and Central Africa, headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, implements programmes across Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Solidaridad works with farmers, private sector actors, governments, and development partners to promote sustainable agricultural systems, climate resilience, regenerative agriculture, and inclusive economic development.
Solidaridad is currently implementing the Acting Now for Food Security and Resilient Production Systems Project, which aims to improve resilience, yields, income and service access for small-scale food producers with a focus on women and youth by helping them adopt climate-smart agriculture (CSA) and strengthening market connections, emphasizing gender and social inclusion.
Under this project, Solidaridad seeks to procure the supply, installation, and establishment of vermicomposting units across selected sites in Makueni, Taita Taveta, and Kwale Counties.
2.0 PROJECT BACKGROUND
The Acting Now for Food Security and Resilient Production Systems Project seeks to strengthen resilience and improve food production systems among smallholder farmers in Kenya’s Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs). The project promotes climate-smart agriculture, soil health improvement, sustainable land management, and regenerative farming practices that contribute to improved productivity and environmental sustainability.
To support sustainable soil fertility management and organic farming practices, Solidaridad intends to establish vermicomposting units at selected demonstration and farmer sites. The intervention aims to strengthen farmer knowledge and practical application of organic soil improvement technologies and regenerative agriculture practices.
3.0 ASSIGNMENT OBJECTIVE
3.1 Overall Objective
The overall objective of this assignment is to supply, install, and support the establishment of twelve (12) vermicomposting units across Makueni, Taita Taveta, and Kwale Counties, including provision of practical training to beneficiaries.
3.2 Specific Objectives
The assignment specifically seeks to:
i. Promote sustainable soil fertility management through vermicomposting technologies.
ii. Improve farmer knowledge on regenerative agriculture and organic compost production.
iii. Enhance adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices.
iv. Strengthen resilience of farming systems through improved soil health management.
v. Build farmer capacity on compost production, handling, harvesting, and utilization.
4.0 SCOPE OF WORK
The successful consultant/firm shall undertake the following tasks:
4.1 Supply and Installation of Vermicomposting Units
Supply, deliver, and install twelve (12) vermicomposting units of approximately 1.2m³ capacity distributed across the three project counties. The installation sites will be identified by the Solidaridad team.
Each vermicomposting unit shall include:
i. Vermicomposting structure/unit with a capacity of approximately 1.2m³.
ii. Starter earthworms suitable for tropical vermicomposting systems.
iii. Bedding materials appropriate for compost establishment.
iv. Moisture management tools and accessories.
v. Basic handling and operational equipment.
vi. Proper drainage and aeration system.
vii. Installation and setup at designated beneficiary sites.
viii. Demonstration and practical training during installation.
The supplier shall ensure:
- The units are durable and suitable for local climatic conditions.
- Earthworms supplied are healthy and viable.
- The structures have adequate drainage and moisture retention.
- Materials used are safe, durable, and environmentally appropriate.
4.2 Training and Capacity Building
The consultant/firm shall provide practical training to beneficiaries covering:
Vermicomposting Training
- Principles and benefits of vermicomposting;
- Preparation and maintenance of vermicomposting units;
- Feedstock selection and compost management;
- Moisture and temperature management;
- Earthworm handling and care;
- Harvesting and application of vermicompost;
- Soil health and regenerative agriculture practices;
- Safe handling and operational maintenance.
Training attendance lists, materials, photographs, and reports shall be submitted as part of assignment documentation.
5.0 DISTRIBUTION OF VERMICOMPOSTING UNITS
The vermicomposting units shall be distributed as follows:
County
Number of Units
Makueni County
4
Taita Taveta County
4
Kwale County
4
Total
12
Specific beneficiary locations and GPS coordinates shall be provided by Solidaridad upon contract award.
6.0 DELIVERABLES
The consultant/firm shall deliver the following:
i. Inception report and implementation work plan.
ii. Site assessment report for all installation locations.
iii. Supply and installation of twelve (12) vermicomposting units.
iv. Training reports including attendance lists and training materials.
v. Operational manuals/guidelines for beneficiaries.
vi. Inspection and commissioning report.
vii. Final assignment completion report in both Word and PDF formats.
7.0 IMPLEMENTATION TIMELINE
The assignment shall be completed within sixty (60) calendar days from the date of contract signing.
Activity
Timeline
Responsibility
Contract signing and kickoff meeting
Day 1
Solidaridad & Consultant
Submission of inception report and work plan
Day 5
Consultant
Site assessments and beneficiary verification
Day 6 – Day 12
Consultant
Approval of implementation schedule
Day 13
Solidaridad
Procurement and mobilization of materials
Day 14 – Day 24
Consultant
Installation in Makueni County
Day 25 – Day 35
Consultant
Installation in Taita Taveta County
Day 36 – Day 42
Consultant
Installation in Kwale County
Day 43 – Day 49
Consultant
Beneficiary training sessions
Day 28 – Day 50
Consultant
Inspection and commissioning
Day 51 – Day 53
Solidaridad & Consultant
Submission of draft final report
Day 54
Consultant
Submission of final report
Day 60
Consultant
*The dates can be adjusted as needs arise. However, the timelines will not exceed the indicated 60 days.
8.0 RESPONSIBILITIES OF SOLIDARIDAD
Solidaridad shall:
i. Provide overall coordination and supervision of the assignment.
ii. Facilitate linkage with beneficiary groups and local stakeholders.
iii. Provide approved beneficiary lists and demonstration site locations.
iv. Review and approve submitted reports and deliverables.
v. Facilitate TEC approval processes where applicable.
9.0 RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CONSULTANT/FIRM
The consultant/firm shall:
i. Provide all materials, tools, labour, transport, and equipment necessary for implementation.
ii. Ensure all supplied materials meet acceptable quality standards.
iii. Observe occupational health and safety standards during implementation.
iv. Conduct practical and participatory farmer training sessions.
v. Ensure timely completion of activities within agreed timelines.
vi. Replace defective or substandard materials identified during inspection.
vii. Provide technical support during establishment and initial operational phases.
10.0 QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
Interested firms/consultants should demonstrate the following:
i. Proven experience in vermicomposting, regenerative agriculture, and organic soil management.
ii. Experience implementing community-based agricultural or environmental projects.
iii. Technical expertise in composting systems and sustainable soil fertility management.
iv. At least three (3) references for similar assignments completed within the last five years.
v. Relevant statutory registration and compliance documentation.
vi. Availability of qualified technical personnel.
11.0 REPORTING AND COORDINATION
The consultant shall work under the supervision of Solidaridad Eastern and Central Africa project team.
All reports and official communication shall be submitted to:
Attn: Managing Director
Solidaridad Eastern and Central Africa Expertise Centre
Europa Towers, 5th Floor, Lantana Road, Westlands, Nairobi, Kenya
P.O. Box 42234 – 00100 GPO
Nairobi, Kenya
Additional organizational information is available at:
Solidaridad Eastern and Central Africa Official Website
How to apply
12.0 APPLICATION PROCESS
Interested consultants with good experience in undertaking similar assignments in the food security and biodiversity sector should submit their application, including a technical and financial proposal, to [email protected] by close of business on 01/07/2026 with the subject line: AN project: Supply, Installation and Training for Vermicomposting Units
13.0 TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS
The proposal shall include:
i. Company profile including relevant experience.
ii. Technical approach and methodology.
iii. Detailed implementation work plan.
iv. Financial proposal inclusive of all applicable taxes.
v. Specifications/catalogues of proposed materials and equipment.
vi. Proposed training methodology and materials.
vii. CVs of key technical personnel.
viii. Evidence of similar assignments undertaken.
The financial proposal must be in Euros (EUR). Any application in other currencies will not be considered.
14.0 CONFIDENTIALITY
The consultant/firm shall treat all project-related information obtained during the assignment as confidential and shall not disclose it without Solidaridad’s prior written authorization.
Note: Due to the volume of applications, we will only contact the successful applicant.
More Information
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