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Call for Proposals: Strengthening Early Warning and Early Action Systems in Kenya

Deadline: 26-Nov-2025

The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) invites non-profit organizations to submit proposals to strengthen Kenya’s early warning and early action systems. Projects can receive up to USD 425,000 for up to 12 months to enhance multi-hazard risk management, build institutional capacity, and improve community preparedness.

Overview of the Programme

The UNDRR Early Warning and Early Action Programme in Kenya aims to build a people-centered, multi-hazard risk management system that aligns with the Sendai Framework. The initiative focuses on creating sustainable disaster preparedness by strengthening institutional coordination, forecasting, communication, and response capacities at both national and county levels.

Key objectives include:

  • Protecting lives and livelihoods from climate and disaster risks

  • Establishing actionable early warnings linked to timely response plans

  • Building long-term institutional capacity to reduce dependence on external support

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible applicants include:

  • Non-profit organizations (local, national, and international)

  • Grassroots organizations and community-based institutions

  • Entities with experience in disaster risk reduction, early warning systems, or related fields

Funding and Project Duration

  • Maximum funding: USD 425,000 per project

  • Project duration: Up to 12 months

  • Funds must be used for project activities directly supporting early warning, early action, and capacity-building objectives

Key Project Areas

Projects should focus on strengthening Kenya’s early warning and early action infrastructure, including:

1. Early Warning Infrastructure

  • Establish or enhance a central situation room at the National Disaster Operation Centre

  • Deploy local situation rooms in high-risk counties (vulnerable to drought, flooding, landslides)

  • Integrate a multi-source open data platform to enable real-time monitoring of hazards, exposure, and vulnerabilities

2. Capacity Building and Simulation Exercises

  • Conduct training sessions for national and county authorities

  • Implement simulation exercises to test early action protocols and contingency plans

  • Build a culture of preparedness by ensuring communities can act on warnings effectively

3. Risk Knowledge and Assessment

  • Map hazards, exposure, and vulnerabilities at national and county levels

  • Develop detailed risk assessments to inform early warning messaging

  • Design standard operating procedures for impact-based forecasts and communication mechanisms

How to Apply

  1. Prepare a project proposal aligned with the programme’s objectives

  2. Include a budget plan detailing how funds will be used (not exceeding USD 425,000)

  3. Describe your organization’s capacity and experience in disaster risk management

  4. Submit the application according to UNDRR guidelines (link to online submission portal)

  5. Ensure proposed projects have measurable outcomes for both institutional and community-level preparedness

Tips for a Strong Application

  • Focus on people-centered approaches that make warnings actionable

  • Clearly define roles and responsibilities for national and local actors

  • Include data-driven strategies using open-source risk platforms or GIS tools

  • Highlight sustainability: how the project strengthens systems beyond the 12-month period

FAQ

Q1: Who can apply?
A1: Registered non-profits, grassroots organizations, and community-based institutions with experience in disaster risk reduction.

Q2: What is the maximum funding available?
A2: Up to USD 425,000 per project.

Q3: How long can projects last?
A3: Projects may run for a maximum of 12 months.

Q4: Can international NGOs collaborate with local partners?
A4: Yes, partnerships that strengthen local capacity are encouraged.

Q5: What are the main outcomes expected?
A5: Enhanced early warning systems, actionable early action protocols, strengthened institutional capacity, and improved community preparedness.

Q6: Are simulation exercises mandatory?
A6: While not explicitly mandatory, projects including simulations are highly encouraged to demonstrate preparedness and coordination.

Q7: What types of hazards should be addressed?
A7: Projects should focus on multi-hazard risk management, including droughts, floods, landslides, and other climate-related disasters.

Why It Matters

Strengthening early warning and early action systems in Kenya is critical for protecting lives, reducing economic losses, and building resilient communities. By integrating real-time risk information, capacity-building, and simulation exercises, this programme enables local and national actors to respond proactively to disasters, fostering long-term sustainability and resilience.

For more information, visit UNDRR.