The Embassy of Sweden in Kenya is inviting Expressions of Interest (EOI) from Kenyan CSOs for a partnership and funding opportunity in 2025.
1. Background
This initiative is part of Sweden’s broader commitment to promoting human rights, democracy, and the rule of law, in line with its Development Assistance for a New Era (Sweden’s Development Assistance for a New Era – freedom, empowerment and sustainable growth(opens in a new tab)) – focusing on freedom, empowerment, and sustainable growth and commitment to locally led development.
Through this call, the Embassy aims to collaborate with Kenyan CSOs that are well-positioned to address Kenya’s democratic and governance challenges, particularly by promoting freedom and fighting oppression.
2. Objective of the initiative
This initiative is designed to empower local actors who are best positioned to understand and respond to the unique challenges and opportunities within Kenya’s demographic and democratic landscape. By working with organizations that are embedded in local communities, Sweden aims to foster sustainable, inclusive, and impactful change driven by the needs and priorities of the communities and the country.
3. Eligibility and Qualifications
The call is open to national civil society organizations with long-standing experience in development in Kenya. Eligible organizations must demonstrate:
i. Electoral and Governance Experience: A strong background in supporting and managing electoral processes and governance reforms in Kenya including civic/ voter education, advocacy on inclusion of citizens in electoral and governance processes and accountability of duty bearers.
ii. National Reach: Have proven experience and or operational capacity across multiple regions, counties/ constituencies in Kenya and in particular marginalized areas such as ASAL counties.
iii. Grassroots Engagement: Strong partnerships and experience working with community-based and grassroots organizations
iv. Institutional Agency: An objective voice on matters of democratic governance aligned with the Bill of Rights in the Constitution of Kenya (2010).
v. Inclusive Programming: Proven experience working with young women and men and persons with disabilities on democracy and governance issues.
vi. Sub-granting and Consortium Management: Demonstrated ability to forward funds to other organizations in a transparent and accountable manner and ensuring efficient and effective utilization of funds. Proven experience in managing a consortium of other local CSOs
4. Submission Requirements
Interested organizations must submit an Expression of Interest (maximum 4 pages, excluding attachments) that includes the following information and or documentation:
i. Organizational Profile: A concise overview of the organization’s history, mission, vision and core areas of operation.
ii. Mandate and Thematic Expertise: A clear articulation of the organization’s mandate and technical competencies.
iii. Governance Structure: Description of the organization’s legal status and governance structure, including names and experience of the management team and Board of Directors and/or trustees.
iv. Source of funding: A table listing source of funding including contact details, the amount of financial support received, and the duration of each partnership.
v. Sub-granting Experience: Summary of programs or projects where the organization has sub-granted funds, including amounts disbursed and recipient organizations (to be submitted as attachments).
vi. Institutional Audits: Copies of audited financial statements, management letters, and corresponding management responses for fiscal years 2022, 2023, and 2024 (to be submitted as attachments).
vii. Technology and Media Use: Proven ability to leverage digital tools and traditional media for civic education, data collection, or outreach.
viii. Additional Documentation (if available): Due Diligence Assessment(s)/Audits including action plans conducted by external actors.
5. Submission Details
Deadline: 6th July 2025
Submission Email: [email protected](opens in a new tab)
Email Subject Line: Expression of Interest
6. Clarifications and or queries on the EOI
For any clarifications and or queries, send to [email protected](opens in a new tab) by 30th June 2025, 12:00 noon.
7. Next steps
Please note that only shortlisted applicant (s) will be contacted by end of July 2025.
Last updated 19 Jun 2025, 10.47 AM
