Terms of Reference for a Feasibility Study

Country: Kenya

Organization: Christian Blind Mission

Closing date: 21 Aug 2023

Project Summary

Planned Project: Access Project Kenya

Country/Region: Kenya, Mbeere South and Runyenjes Sub- Counties of Embu County

Partner Organisation: Association for the Physically Disabled of Kenya (APDK)

Planned Project start date: 01.07.2024

Commissioning organisation/contact person: CBM Christoffel-Blindenmission Christian Blind Mission e.V./ Country Director, Kenya Country Office

Study Duration: 30 Days

Study Purpose

The aim of the consultancy is to assess the feasibility of the proposed project to be implemented by CBM in partnership with the Association for the Physically Disabled of Kenya (APDK). The study will involve a systematic check of the extent to which the proposed project approach and interventions can plausibly achieve the expected impact.

This should be realized by conducting a feasibility study to understand the problem and needs of the target group; and the mapping of local resources and actors to complement as well as sustain the gains through DAC criteria (coherence, effectiveness, efficiency, impact and sustainability).

1. Background of the feasibility study

The local partner Association for the Physically Disabled of Kenya (APDK) and CBM would like to develop a project proposal to the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), which shall result in persons with disabilities and their families having better access to comprehensive rehabilitation services, inclusive education and sustainable livelihood opportunities in Mbeere South and Runyenjes Sub-Counties of Embu County. This includes a contribution towards a progressive and sustainable rehabilitative healthcare system that enables individuals with functional limitations and participation restrictions to attain the highest quality of life in Kenya.

The proposing organisations are:

**Association for the Physically Disabled of Kenya (APDK)**is a charitable not-for-profit, Non-governmental Organization, a social enterprise that is committed to improving the lives of persons with disability. APDK advocates for an inclusive society, provision of rehabilitative services, provision of appropriate wheelchairs and assistive technology, economic empowerment, and advocating for the rights of persons with disability.

APDK promotes access to rehabilitation services, attainment of maximum independence, prevention of the causes of disability, advocates for the rights of persons with disability, supports inclusion in education from early years and promotes a green environment for sustainable living. APDK implement programs in several counties across the Country including; Busia, Kakamega, Vihiga, Machakos, Mombasa, Uasin Gishu, Embu, Meru, Kisumu, Siaya, Kisii, Migori and Nairobi Counties among others.

CBM is a Christian international development organisation, committed to improving the quality of life of persons with disabilities in the poorest communities of the world irrespective of age, race, gender, or religious belief.

CBM’s approach of Disability-Inclusive Development (DID) is the framework of all its initiatives and the key theme which drives activities and the impact of its work. It believes that this is the most effective way to bring positive change to the lives of people with disabilities living in poverty and their communities. Through our disability-inclusive development approach, we address the barriers that hinder access and participation and actively seek to ensure the full participation of people with disabilities as empowered self-advocates in all development and emergency response processes.

2. Description of the project

Whereas the County government, Department of Health, is mandated to provide essential medicines and medical supplies, there are major challenges resulting in a low or no supply of essential supplies thus interrupting smooth operations for the health system, including rehabilitation services. The lack of primary rehabilitation services at the lowest levels in the community has led to congestion at Embu County Teaching and Referral Hospital on the one hand and high travel costs for clients on the other hand. Subsequently, clients who need long term rehabilitation services are not referred and supported through continuum of care up-to the community level due to weak community support services. In the case of young children, the lack of rehabilitation service provision can hinder access to inclusion in education, resulting in low literacy and numeracy skills and ultimately access to higher education and / or livelihood opportunities, thus compounding the cycle of poverty.

High poverty levels at 35.3%, the vulnerable groups, including the rural poor, youth, women and persons with disabilities have little income generation opportunities and thus limiting their capacity to access quality services that are in most cases at a distance in response to their unmet needs.

Target area: The project will be implemented in Mbeere South and Runyenjes Sub-Counties of Embu county in Kenya.

Target group: Among the 47 Counties in Kenya, Embu County has the highest disability prevalence of 4.4% (Census 2019) against the national prevalence of 2.2%. The project targets to screen 80% of 372,596 persons from the 2 target sub-counties thus reaching 298,076 populations with disability assessment services. It is estimated that 4.4% (13,115 persons) of the assessed population are persons with disabilities who the project will have concrete impact in transforming their lives. Based on APDK’s experience, 45% (5,901 persons that includes 3,836 children in need of accessing education) are persons in need of assistive devices to lead an independent life through participation in activities of daily living and community life. Overall, 0.5% of the direct group (66 persons) require corrective surgery to improve mobility functionality. For support on livelihoods, it is expected that 35.3% of the 2,065-adult population in need of assistive devices (729 persons) will be supported to engage in income generating activities through the village savings and loans associations including agri-business activities. The related target group will be primarily persons with disabilities and their families, Organizations of Persons with Disabilities and self-help groups. Other groups will include government line ministries and communities.

Overall and project objective, results and possibly key activities

Overall Objective (Impact): The quality of life of persons with disabilities in Embu County/ Kenya has been improved.

Project Objective (Outcome): Persons with disabilities and their communities have better access to rehabilitation services at community level as well as to inclusive education and socio-economic opportunities in Mbeere South and Runyenjes Sub-Counties of Embu County.

Result 1: Early intervention and rehabilitation services are more accessible, functional, and interlinked with the primary health care services.

Result 2: The learning environment of children with disabilities is improved through capacity building in inclusive early childhood development and transition to inclusive education.

Result 3: Capacities of Organization of Persons with Disabilities, self-help groups and other local groups/ stakeholders are strengthened to carry out sustainable agriculture practices and income-generating activities.

3. Purpose of the feasibility study

The project proposal is currently in its development phase and therefore CBM and implementing partner APDK is seeking to recruit a consultant to conduct feasibility study to assess the extent to which the project approach can plausibly achieve the planned changes under the defined framework. The study report will be submitted to BMZ together with the project proposal.

As a first step, the study should provide an assessment on the following:

• Situation and problem analysis at macro, meso, micro level (see 4.1)


• Assessment of the local partner organization selected to implement the project (see 4.2)


• Analysis of target groups and other relevant actors at macro, meso and micro level see 4.3)

The study must ensure:

• The feasibility of the project concept against the OECD/ DAC criteria of relevance, coherence, efficiency, effectiveness, potential impact and sustainability (see 4.4).


• The inclusiveness of the project, i.e. the active participation of persons with disabilities and their representative organisations in all aspects of the project (see section on gender/ safeguarding/ inclusion).

4. Lead questions of the feasibility study

4.1 Initial situation and problem analysis at macro, meso, micro level

• Which current problems in the life situations of the target groups have been identified and are relevant to the project design? Are the causes addressed and prioritised by the project?


• What government measures are in place to address equality and non-discrimination in line with national and international human rights and development frameworks such as the Sustainable Development Goals, UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Convention on the Elimination of All forms of Discrimination Against Women etc.?


• Which are the local potentials/existing structures (institutions, networks, umbrella organisations, existing support services and systems etc.) to which social mechanisms can be built upon? Which are some of the gaps that can be identified in the system?


• Are there approaches, learnings and/or results from ongoing or previous development measures from other INGOs, other CBM projects? If so, how will they be built upon?


• What other frameworks or conditions e.g conflict dynamics that need to be considered in the context of the planned project?

4.2 Local project implementing partner organization in the partner country

• Why was the local project implementing partner organization (APDK) selected?


• Who had the project idea? Is there a need to strengthen the ownership of the local implementing partner and if so, how could this be done??


• To what extent are existing agreements between actors formalised?


• What are the resources, strengths, and weaknesses of local implementing partner known at the organisational level?


• Are there any technical, financial, governance or other competences/ capacities which should be developed at the organisational level of local implementing partner?


• Does the local implementing partner involve persons with disabilities in a meaningful way? Is he also involved in meaningful engagement with caregivers and children/ youth (with and without disability)?

4.3 Target groups and other actors (at micro, meso and macro level)

• How and by whom are the direct target groups identified and according to which criteria/ process?


• What are the needs of the respective target groups? How homogeneous or heterogeneous are the target groups (in terms of factors such as gender, ethnicity, age, capacities, disabilities) and to what extent does the project have to take this into account?


• Which OPDs and self-help organization exist within the community for the target groups? To what extent have they been able to respond to social problems and how can local problem-solving capacities be strengthened?


• What might be potential allies or partners to create synergies between CSOs and OPDs, for example in joint inclusive advocacy?


• Do the target groups and other actors have a common understanding of the problems, prioritisation, and objectives of the project? Are there convergences or conflicts of interest between them or other actors?


• How strong is the support of the target groups and different actors for the project? Will they be willing and able to give some kind of contribution (financial or in kind) to specific activities to make them more sustainable?

4.4 Assessment according to DAC Criteria

Relevance - To what extent is the planned project doing the right thing?

• To what extent does the planned project approach address a developmental problem or a crucial developmental bottlenecks of the target region? How does the community benefit from the approach?


• Is the focus, prioritisation, and objectives (approach) of the planned project aligned with the target groups and are they clearly defined?


• To what extent do the project objectives and defined results adequately consider the specific needs of the target groups and structural obstacles in Mbeere South and Runyenjes Sub- Counties of Embu County?


• Are norms and standards of the approach compatible with those of the target groups?


• Is the project designed in a conflict-sensitive way (Do-No-Harm principle)?


• How relevant are the proposed activities to the National and local development priorities and policy gaps?


• What other relevant design approaches would be recommended to ensure optimal service delivery to the target group?

Coherence - How well does the intervention fit?

• How coherent are the planned activities with human rights principles (inclusion, participation), conventions and relevant standards/guidelines as well as national government and county government policies?


• To what extent are there synergies and linkages between the planned project and other interventions by APDK and other actors?


• What are the similarities or intersections between the planned activities and those of projects of other actors in the same area/ context? To what extent does the project add value and avoid duplication?

Effectiveness - Which project approach can best achieve the objectives?

• Does the project design and logic make sense? Are there any activities missing so that the desired result can realistically be achieved?


• Is the chosen methodological approach (please mention here the specific approach/es) appropriate and realistic to achieve the project objective? Are alternatives necessary and possible?


• At which level (multi-level approach) might additional measures have to be envisaged to increase effectiveness?


• How are changes measured? Are the indicators suitable? Are there indicators which might be more suitable to measure the change?


• To what extent will the mapped stakeholders be able and willing to support achievement of desired deliverables?


• Are there any suggestions on organizational culture of the implementing partner which may derail project performance?


• Which major factors are likely to influence achievement or non-achievement of the set objectives?

Efficiency - Does the use of funds planned by the project appear economical in terms of achieving the objectives?

• To what extent can the planned measures be implemented with the budgeted funds and personnel in the planned duration? Is the design the most efficient?


• To what extent are the planned expenditures used economically and are the investments, operating expenses, and personnel in proportion to the intended objectives?


• What is the current organizational structure? Do you have any recommendations towards an efficient project implementation?

Impact - To what extent does the planned project contribute to the achievement of overarching developmental impacts?

• What specific contribution does the project objective (outcome) make to the towards improving the lives of persons with disability in the targeted population?


• What is the likelihood that the proposed actions will bring change to the target groups? What are the likely changes that will be attributed to the project?


• To what extent does the planned project have a structure-building, exemplary and broad impact? At what levels and in which areas will norms or structures be changed?


• To what extent will the actions contribute to the national and county development priorities and plan?

Sustainability - To what extent will the positive effects (without further external funding) continue after the end of the project?

• How can the results and impacts of the project activities be maintained beyond the project life? (structural, economic, social, ecological)?


• What long-term capacities are built up in the target group to be able to continue the implemented measures on their own after the project ended?


• What positive changes (role behaviour, mechanisms, networks and others) benefit civil society in the long term?


• Are there any personal risks for the implementers, institutional or contextual risks that could influence sustainability and if so, how can they be minimised?


• What system strengthening opportunities exist within the target population?


• Will the planned measures bring about systemic changes beyond community level that will remain after the project ended?

Gender:

• To what extent is the project sensitive to different gender needs?


• How does the project ensure gender inclusion in the project cycle? What role will empowerment of girls/ women play in the project?


• What is the current status with regard to gender inclusion and how can this be enhanced through the project?

Safeguarding

• How has the project design mainstreamed safeguarding and how would the target group ensure safeguarding practices are strengthened?


• Which activities will enhance adoption of safeguarding best practices by the target group?


• What inclusive and gender-sensitive monitoring and reporting mechanisms exist currently and what could be done to strengthen the existing systems?

Inclusion:

• How have women, men girls and boys with disabilities been involved and how is the project responsive to their needs?


• To what extent are services in facilities and other service delivery areas accessible to persons with disabilities? How can accessibility be improved?


• How can the project build capacity of the key stakeholders on disability inclusion?


• Assess how persons with disability are involved in development program and how the project seeks to engage and strengthen persons with disabilities and OPDs?


• How can the project enhance participation of target groups towards achieving inclusion and involvement of persons with disability in development programs?

4.5 Recommendations

Based on the main findings and the assessment according to the DAC criteria, the consultant should provide concrete recommendations for the project concept. These recommendations should be within the thematic and financial scope of what the project aims to achieve. They should be practical and implementable.

In particular, the following should be addressed:

• Recommendations on any components, measures, approaches that might be missing or not fitting in the project concept.


• Recommendations regarding any components or measures where potential negative effects have been identified.


• Recommendations on the impact matrix of the project:


• Anything that can strengthen the effect chain of the project.


• Recommendations on indicators demonstrating progress.

4.6 Baseline data

The consultant will be expected to collect baseline data as follows:

• Baseline data related to each result area, specifically:

Result 1 - Rehabilitation

• To what extend had the rehabilitations services been integrated into the primary health care services?


• What is the current status of the health facilities with regards to rehabilitation services delivery?


• What are the main service deliver gaps that may hinder rehabilitation service delivery? E.g in infrastructure, equipment, human resources, financing, coordination etc.

Result 2 – Education:

• How many EARCs are there in the two sub-counties and how many people seek services per day? What existing gaps can be identified, eg. in regard to infrastructure and human resource capacities?


• What diagnosis and referral system mechanisms are in place? What are the identified gaps?


• How many children with disabilities are in need to be enrolled in school (ECD and Primary schools) in the target area?


• Are there systems in place to ensure assessment information sharing with families, schools and linked to Government Information Systems (EMIS, HMIS)?


• What level of understanding and structures exist at the household and schools with regards to inclusive education?


• What mechanisms exist to ensure complete linkage and enrolment with NCPWD and local civil registry at county and district level be assured?


• Are the learners with disability in schools having access to inclusive WASH, nutrition and health services?

Result 3 - Livelihood

• What is the current capacity of OPDs and self-help groups regarding income-generating activities?


• To what extend are persons with disability mitigated against climate change effects such as food insecurity and economic inadequacies by engaging on agribusiness, VSLA etc?


• In what ways do agricultural practise strengthened to ensure persons with disabilities have sustainable food security.

5. Scope of the feasibility study

5.1 Stakeholders

The consultant will work closely with all partners, including CBM and APDK and (relevant local government/non-government agencies). He/she will report to the Programme Manager of the CBM Kenya Country Office. The consultant will execute his/her mission in complete independence and will receive only general instructions by CBM, justified by the necessities of the independent collaboration between the parties and the orderly execution of the confined tasks.

5.2 Geographical Scope

The planned project is located in Kenya, Embu County specifically in Mbeere South and Runyenjes sub-counties with a total population of 372,596 people. The project will be implemented in 724 Villages (Runyenjes 330 and Mbeere South 394) with 92,150 households (Runyenjes 42,024 and Mbeere South 50,126).

5.3 Documents to be reviewed

• 
  Project-Programmatic Approval
  


• 
  Access project proposal/concept note
  


• 
  Impact Matrix and Results Structure documents.
  


• Embu County Integrated Development Plan (Embu CIDP)


• Kenya Rehabilitative Services and Assistive Technology Strategy 2021-2026


• CBM Community Based Inclusive Development Initiative Plan


• APDK Strategic Plan and governance tools


• Relevant resource materials on disability inclusive development, inclusive education, socio-economic, livelihoods and sustainable agricultural empowerment e.t.c


• SNA Disability Services Report,


• Learning studies + reviews of APDK to Microfinance and VSLA implementation + social enterprise development - sustainable agricultural practices

5.4 Methodology

Independent of the methods used, there are mandatory principles that must be adhered to during the entire process as follows:

• Participatory and inclusive


• Safeguarding of children and adults at risk


• Data Disaggregation (gender/age/disability)


• Data Security and privacy (informed consent)

The consultant is expected to use a variety of methods to collect and analyse data. Participatory methods should be used to collect qualitative and quantitative data and therefore the consultant shall apply data collection methods including but not limited to;

• Desk review


• Personal Interviews


• Key Informant Interviews


• Focus Group Discussion


• intersectional approach

The consultant is expected to provide detailed and succinct report that provides in-depth information on the areas of interest.

5.6 Limitations

The feasibility study is not void of limitations and specifically on resources, time and scope. Considering the number of villages that this project is to cover, allocated time will not be adequate for all the villages to be physically visited. In addition, with the prevailing financial environment, the resources may not be adequate to completely visit all the project sites in order to get information from each part of the project area. The consultant will thus employ different methodologies to ensure the objectives are still met within the limitations.

6. Deliverables and schedule

6.1 Deliverables

• 
  Inception report including proposed data collection tools and feasibility study question matrix (matching feasibility study questions with data collection tools);


• 
  Final report (max. 30 pages without annexes) according to CBM’s report template and in accessible format;


• 
  Any data sets collected/analysed and other documents related to the feasibility study;


• A summary Power Point Presentation highlighting main findings and recommendations;


• 
  Presentation of findings and recommendations in a validation workshop.

6.2 Time Frame and schedule

The study is expected to start latest 8th September 2023, and final report submitted latest 10th October 2023. An itemised action plan should be submitted with the expression of interest. Full availability of the consultant for the proposed timeframe is crucial.

7. Application and selection procedure

7.1 Skills and Experience of Study Team

The consultant should have the following attributes among others;

• Minimum of Degree in public health, business administration, social sciences or any other relevant degree from recognized university;


• Extensive expertise and experience in disability inclusive development


• Proven record of carrying out similar studies in Kenya or in the region;


• Track record in designing and conducting quantitative and qualitative studies;


• Experience in undertaking research with remote and marginalized communities;


• Knowledge of international frameworks and national statutes for persons with disabilities;


• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills including ability to facilitate and work in a multidisciplinary team;


• Strong analytical skills and ability to clearly synthesise and present findings;


• Ability to draw practical conclusions and to prepare well‐written reports in a timely manner and availability during the proposed period;


• Proficiency in English and Kiswahili

Safeguarding Policy: As a condition of entering into a consultancy agreement the evaluators must sign the CBM’s Safeguarding Policy and abide by the terms and conditions thereof.

How to apply

Expression of Interest

The consultant is expected to submit a technical and financial proposal including

• profile of the firm and KRA Certificate of Compliance


• capability statement (CV) of individual team members,


• an outline of the understanding of these TORs and suggested methodology, and


• detailed work plan for the entire assignment.


• detailed budget in KES for the assignment inclusive of all costs and taxes

CBM reserves the right to terminate the contract in case the agreed consultant/s are unavailable at the start or during the assignment.

All expressions of interest with detailed and costed work plan should be submitted by email to: procurement.nairobi@cbm.org by 21st August 2023 at 5 p.m.

7.3 Selection Criteria

Only complete Expressions of Interest will be considered for selection. The assessment is broken down as follows:

Criteria Score

Budget 20%

Technical proposal: 80%

Experience in the related task 20%

Qualifications of team 20%

Technical proposal and methodology 40%

Total 100%