Deadline: 07-Apr-2026
The Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) has launched a €1.5 million call for proposals under the “PEACE” initiative to strengthen community-based mental health services for survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) in Kenya. The 36-month project must be implemented by an Italian Civil Society Organization (CSO) in partnership with local actors and concentrated in one selected county. Applications must be submitted by April 27, 2026, by 4:00 PM (Kenyan time) via certified email to the AICS Nairobi office.
About the PEACE Initiative
The call for tenders is part of the broader “PEACE: Promoting Equity, Listening, Awareness and Community Engagement” initiative launched by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS).
The PEACE initiative was approved on December 16, 2024, through Joint Committee Resolution No. 196 and has a total budget of €4,000,000.
The initiative addresses the interconnected challenges of:
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Gender-based violence (GBV)
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Mental health and psychosocial distress
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Socioeconomic vulnerability
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Limited access to support services
Its overall goal is to strengthen systems that protect and empower survivors of GBV in Kenya.
Total Budget and Components
Overall Budget
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€4,000,000 total
Component Breakdown
Component 1 – €2,250,000
Implemented under bilateral management by the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF), in partnership with Equity Bank and Healthcare Assistance Kenya hotline (HAK 1195).
Focus: Strengthening socioeconomic resilience of GBV survivors and improving access to services.
Component 2 – €1,500,000 (Subject of This Call)
To be implemented by an Italian Civil Society Organization (CSO) in partnership with one or more partners.
Focus: Strengthening community-based mental health and psychosocial support services for GBV survivors.
Component 3 – Managed Directly by AICS Nairobi
Supports monitoring, evaluation, communication, lesson-sharing, and analytical activities for Components 1 and 2.
Objective of This Call (Component 2)
This call specifically supports:
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Expansion of community-based mental health services
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Strengthening psychosocial support systems
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Psychological empowerment of survivors
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Career development and socioeconomic resilience
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Improved access to integrated services
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Addressing GBV, mental health, and economic empowerment holistically
The intervention must enhance local support ecosystems while ensuring sustainability and measurable impact.
Geographic Scope
Although certain activities under Component 1 may expand nationally, this component must be concentrated in one selected county from the following five:
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Busia
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Kilifi
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Kisumu
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Mombasa
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Nyeri
Applicants must:
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Clearly select one county
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Specify targeted subcounties
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Identify specific wards
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Describe where community mental health and psychosocial support services will be strengthened or expanded
Concentration in one county is required to maximize impact.
Project Duration
Ordinary Duration
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36 months
The duration includes:
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Full implementation period
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Intermediate reporting
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External audits
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AICS approvals
Extensions
Possible extensions may not exceed one-third of the ordinary duration.
Exclusions:
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Force majeure suspensions
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The additional six-month period allocated for final financial statements and audit reports
Funding Structure
Total Funding for This Component
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€1,500,000
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Fully funded by AICS
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No co-financing required
Mandatory Annual Budget Allocation
Proposals must allocate funding exactly as follows:
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Year 1: €400,000
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Year 2: €400,000
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Year 3: €700,000
Important: Proposals exceeding these annual allocations will be declared ineligible.
Who Is Eligible?
The call is open to:
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Italian Civil Society Organizations (CSOs)
Requirements:
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Must apply as the lead Applicant
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Must partner with one or more partners
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Must submit only one Executive Proposal as Applicant
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May submit one Additional Proposal as Partner
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If not applying as Applicant, may submit a maximum of two proposals as Partner
Each organization must strictly comply with submission limits.
Why This Initiative Matters
1. Integrated GBV and Mental Health Response
Gender-based violence has deep psychological and socioeconomic consequences. This initiative promotes an integrated model linking:
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Mental health care
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Psychosocial support
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Economic empowerment
2. Community-Based Approach
Community-level interventions increase:
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Accessibility
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Cultural relevance
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Trust and uptake
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Sustainability
3. System Strengthening
By connecting with national partners such as NGAAF and service networks like HAK 1195, the initiative strengthens Kenya’s institutional response to GBV.
4. Long-Term Resilience
The 36-month duration allows for structured implementation, monitoring, adaptation, and sustainability planning.
How to Apply
Follow these steps carefully to ensure eligibility.
Step 1: Prepare the Executive Proposal
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Format: PDF
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Include detailed project design
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Specify selected county, subcounties, and wards
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Provide a compliant three-year budget breakdown
Step 2: Verify Budget Compliance
Ensure strict allocation:
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€400,000 for Year 1
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€400,000 for Year 2
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€700,000 for Year 3
No deviations are allowed.
Step 3: Submit via Certified Email (PEC)
Send the proposal to:
Subject line must include:
[Acronym of Proposing Entity] – “Initiative – AID 013184/01/1”
Step 4: Meet the Deadline
Deadline: April 27, 2026
Time: No later than 4:00 PM (Kenyan time)
Eligibility is determined by the date and time of receipt by the AICS Nairobi regional office.
Late submissions will not be accepted.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Selecting more than one county
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Failing to specify subcounties and wards
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Exceeding annual budget ceilings
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Submitting more proposals than allowed
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Incorrect subject line formatting
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Missing the 4:00 PM Kenyan time deadline
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Sending to the wrong email address
Strict administrative compliance is essential.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the total funding available under this call?
€1,500,000 fully funded by AICS.
2. Is co-financing required?
No. The component is entirely funded by AICS.
3. Who can apply?
Only Italian Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) as lead Applicants, working with one or more partners.
4. How long is the project duration?
The ordinary duration is 36 months, with limited extension possibilities.
5. Can activities be implemented in multiple counties?
No. Activities under this call must be concentrated in one county selected from Busia, Kilifi, Kisumu, Mombasa, or Nyeri.
6. What happens if the annual budget allocation is exceeded?
Proposals exceeding the specified annual allocations will be considered ineligible.
7. What is the submission deadline?
April 27, 2026, by 4:00 PM Kenyan time via certified email (PEC).
Conclusion
This AICS call for tenders under the PEACE initiative represents a major investment in strengthening community-based mental health services for survivors of gender-based violence in Kenya. With €1.5 million in fully funded support over 36 months, the initiative promotes integrated, localized, and sustainable interventions.
Italian CSOs with strong partnerships and expertise in GBV, mental health, and community resilience have a strategic opportunity to implement high-impact programming in one of five selected counties. Strict compliance with budget structure, geographic focus, and submission requirements is essential for eligibility.
For more information, visit Italian Agency for Development Cooperation.
