Small Grants for Refugee-Led Organizations in Kakuma Municipality, Kenya

UNHCR Kenya is inviting Refugee-Led Organizations (RLOs) and Refugee-Led Social Enterprises to submit concept notes for small grants aimed at supporting community-driven education programs. These programs focus on out-of-school children and youth in Kakuma Municipality, Turkana County, Kenya. The deadline for submissions is 7 October 2026, 23:59 EAT. Opportunity at a Glance

- Provider: UNHCR Kenya

- Opportunity Type: Small Grants

- Funding Amount: Up to USD 5,000

- Eligible Applicants: Refugee-Led Organizations and Social Enterprises

- Eligible Locations: Kakuma Municipality, including Kakuma and Kalobeyei Refugee Settlement Areas

- Deadline: 7 October 2026, 23:59 EAT

- Project Duration: Up to 3 months (renewable based on funding availability)

About the Opportunity

This initiative aligns with the Government of Kenya’s Shirika Plan, emphasizing refugee inclusion and community participation in education. The goal is to enhance access to quality education for refugee and host community children and youth, addressing barriers to enrollment, retention, and completion of studies. The program seeks to identify and support out-of-school children, ensuring their enrollment or return to school. Funding and Benefits

- Maximum Grant Amount: USD 5,000

- Implementation Period: Up to 3 months, with potential renewal based on funding availability

- Project Locations: Kakuma Municipality, including Kakuma and Kalobeyei Refugee Settlement Areas

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants must:

- Be a registered Refugee-Led Organization or Refugee-Led Social Enterprise operating in Kenya. - Have at least 50% of leadership positions held by refugees or asylum seekers. - Be operational in Turkana West Sub-County. - Demonstrate experience in education programming, community outreach, data collection, child protection, youth engagement, or related interventions. - Have a strong community presence and networks within the target population. - Ensure proposed activities have not received funding from UNHCR or another donor during the proposed period. Eligible Activities or Priority Areas

Projects should focus on:

- Identification and re-enrollment of out-of-school children in refugee and host communities. - Community-based identification, verification, and tracking of out-of-school children and youth. - Addressing barriers to school attendance through community engagement and case management. - Education data collection and monitoring. - Supporting scholarship students with emerging needs, including school fees and stipends. - Strengthening community engagement and promoting the value of education, especially for girls and vulnerable learners. Why This Opportunity Matters This opportunity is crucial for enhancing educational access and outcomes for refugee and host community children in Kakuma. By addressing barriers to education and supporting community-driven initiatives, the program aims to improve enrollment, retention, and completion rates, ultimately contributing to the long-term educational success of these communities. How to Apply - Submit a Completed Kobo Application Form. - Upload a Project Concept Note (maximum 5 pages).

- Upload Proof Documents: Registration Certificate, Governance Structure, Safeguarding/PSEA Policies (where available).

Deadline: 7 October 2026, 23:59 EAT.

Application Links:

- Kobo Application Form - Concept Note Template

For questions, email: [contact details removed]

Next Steps Eligible organizations are encouraged to review the official guidelines and submit their applications by the deadline. For further details, refer to the provided application links and contact UNHCR Kenya for any inquiries.