Deadline: 08-Apr-2026
The European Commission 2026 Call for Proposals in Kenya seeks to empower civil society organisations (CSOs) to participate in democratic governance, defend human rights, and promote transparency. Grants focus on two areas: improving the civic environment and citizen participation, and addressing urgent human rights challenges, with a total funding pool of EUR 3,350,000.
Overview
The European Commission aims to strengthen inclusive, pluralistic, and enabling civic space in Kenya. This initiative targets grassroots organisations, youth-led groups, human rights defenders, and civil society organisations engaging in policy and democratic processes. The program is divided into two funding lots, each with specific objectives and priorities.
Objectives and Priorities
Lot 1: Enabling Environment for Civil Society and Citizen Participation
This lot focuses on enhancing civil society’s capacity to participate in governance and democratic processes. Key priorities include:
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Legal and Policy Support: Strengthen regulatory frameworks for civil society engagement
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Collaboration with Media: Support partnerships between CSOs and independent media to counter disinformation and hate speech
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Capacity Building: Improve citizens’ and CSOs’ ability to access information, coordinate efforts, and engage in electoral processes
Grant Allocation: EUR 2,000,000 (fixed)
Lot 2: Urgent Human Rights Challenges
This lot addresses critical human rights needs and the protection of vulnerable populations. Key priorities include:
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Human Rights Protection: Prevent and combat violations, document abuses
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Legal and Psycho-Social Support: Provide legal aid and mental health support to victims
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Support for Defenders: Protect human rights defenders and persons at risk
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Access to Information and Collaboration: Strengthen CSO partnerships with independent media and promote a culture of equality, justice, and accountability
Grant Allocation: EUR 1,350,000 (fixed)
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include lead applicants, co-applicants, and affiliated entities that meet the call’s requirements. Eligible entities are civil society organisations, grassroots groups, and human rights defenders legally registered and operating in Kenya. Ineligible applicants may include government entities or organisations not fulfilling the criteria specified for the lot.
Funding and Eligible Costs
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Total Funding: EUR 3,350,000
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Lot 1: EUR 2,000,000
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Lot 2: EUR 1,350,000
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Eligible Costs: Reimbursement of eligible project costs, costs or results-based financing not linked to costs. Actions must strictly align with the objectives and priorities of the respective lot.
How to Apply
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Identify Your Lot: Determine whether your project aligns with Lot 1 or Lot 2.
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Prepare Documentation: Include organisational details, legal status, and evidence of capacity.
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Develop Project Proposal: Ensure your actions meet objectives, priorities, and expected outcomes.
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Costing and Budget: Prepare a detailed budget covering eligible expenses or results-based financing.
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Submission: Follow the European Commission’s submission guidelines for grants, ensuring timely and complete application.
Tips for a Strong Proposal
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Clearly link project activities to the lot’s objectives and priorities
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Demonstrate measurable impact on citizen participation, governance, or human rights
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Include a credible plan for coordination and partnerships with media or other CSOs
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Provide detailed cost estimates and justifications
FAQ
1. What types of organisations can apply? Legally registered civil society organisations, grassroots groups, and human rights defenders operating in Kenya.
2. Can international NGOs apply? Yes, if they meet the eligibility requirements and can demonstrate effective implementation in Kenya.
3. How much funding is available per lot? Lot 1: EUR 2,000,000; Lot 2: EUR 1,350,000
4. Are individual applicants eligible? No, only organisations meeting the actor and action eligibility criteria.
5. What activities are eligible under the grant? Activities that enhance civic space, democratic engagement, human rights protection, legal and psycho-social support, media collaboration, and citizen capacity-building.
6. How are costs reimbursed? Eligible project costs can be reimbursed or financed under results-based conditions, depending on the grant type.
7. Can part of the funding remain unawarded? Yes, the contracting authority reserves the right not to award all available funds.
Conclusion
The European Commission’s 2026 Call for Proposals in Kenya offers a strategic opportunity for civil society organisations to strengthen democratic governance, protect human rights, and empower citizens. By focusing on legal, media, and community engagement or urgent human rights support, applicants can help create a more inclusive, accountable, and pluralistic civic environment.
For more information, visit European Commission.
