Checked 27 October 2026. Open call.
Young Kenyans with an idea they have already started exploring can seek a small award to test it in practice. The Mekatilili Micro-Grant supports action over one to three months, with implementation planned for February–May 2027.
Opportunity at a glance
| Funder | Mekatilili |
| Geography | Kenya |
| Funding | Up to KES 100,000 |
| Timing | 22 November 2026 |
Who should consider this opportunity?
Kenyan citizens aged 21–35 may apply individually or in teams of up to three Kenyan members. The work must take place primarily in Kenya; startup registration is not required.
Application route and important conditions
Excluded costs include salaries or stipends, personal expenses, international travel, debt repayment and fundraising. The official page does not specify a closing hour.
Read the official programme page and application instructions.
Africads preparation guidance
The following is practical editorial guidance, not additional donor eligibility criteria.
Start with one question that a small experiment can answer. A community workshop, prototype trial or short creative project should produce evidence you can use to decide what to do next. Describe what you have already tried and what remains uncertain. A modest test with a clear learning purpose is easier to explain than a promise to transform an entire sector.
Build the budget around direct actions. Separate materials, local implementation costs and essential services, and check each line against the exclusions. If your idea depends on paying yourself a stipend, redesign the delivery plan before applying. Do not hide an excluded cost inside another category.
Show who will participate and how you will involve them. Where young people or other community members are contributing ideas, explain consent, accessibility and how you will share results back. A simple record of attendance, feedback and changes to the prototype can be more useful than a long list of ambitious indicators.
Five frequently asked questions
Must I have a registered startup?
No. This route also accepts eligible individuals and small teams.
Does meeting the criteria guarantee support?
No. Eligibility is an initial screen; the funder still assesses fit, quality and available resources.
What should our team prepare first?
Confirm the applicant route, identify a responsible lead and assemble evidence for the proposed work before polishing the narrative.
Should we use a generic proposal template?
Use the donor’s current form and instructions. An internal template can organise your thinking, but it should not replace required questions or formats.
Where do we submit or request further guidance?
Start from the official programme page linked below. Africads publishes opportunity information and does not receive applications on the donor’s behalf.
Conclusion
Use the eligibility and application route above to decide whether Mekatilili belongs in your funding pipeline. Assign a named owner to the next step and resolve any missing requirements before committing substantial proposal time.
For an initial fit, evidence or budget check, explore the free Africads Grant Funding Toolkit. These resources support preparation; the donor’s current instructions and decision remain authoritative.
Sources
Programme information from Mekatilili. Information checked on 27 October 2026; review updates before applying.
