Kenya, EU expand climate action cooperation amid shrinking donor funding

The government on Thursday joined the European Union and other stakeholders at the Kenya School of Government for the annual high level EU–Kenya Civil Society Forum, where 14 new sub-grantees were unveiled to spearhead grassroots climate action projects across six regions in Kenya.

The launch marked a significant acceleration of the ‘Meaningful Engagement Transformative Action (META) initiative that seeks to strengthen the capacities and influence the Kenyan Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) as independent actors.

Representing the government at event, Internal Security and National Administration Principal Secretary Dr. Raymond Omollo embraced CSOs, praising them for being key partners in national stability and development.

In his speech, PS Omollo also addressed the need for a strong enabling environment for CSOs.

"The government of Kenya views civil societies as an indispensable partner in national stability and development. Our commitment to creating a conducive operating environment is underscored by the continued focus on implementing the Public Benefits Organisations (PBO) Act, 2013,” he said.

“When CSOs are empowered, they become true agents of peace, security, and accountability in our communities, directly supporting the forum’s focus on Governance, Peace, and Security.”

In her keynote address, Henriette Geiger, the EU Ambassador to Kenya, framed the partnership forum launch as a key success of a joint strategy.

"The launch of these 14 META sub-grantees is a tangible expression of the EU-Kenya Roadmap for Engagement with Civil Society (2022-2025). For the EU, meaningful engagement is not just dialogue; it is a catalyst for transformative action,” said Geiger.

“By investing in CSOs across all six regional blocs, we are ensuring inclusivity is at the heart of our partnership, strengthening the foundation for Kenya's green transition, human-centred digitalisation.”

Harriet Chiggai, the presidential advisor on women's rights, spoke to the forum’s cross-cutting themes of gender and youth”

"I know that no development agenda is complete without gender equality. This partnership is critical for resourcing CSOs that are actively driving gender-responsive policy and ensuring that the voices of women and youth are not only heard but lead the collective action for transformative change in Kenya."

Carole Ageng'o, Chair of the FEMNET Board, who delivered a welcome address on behalf of the Executive Director, welcomed the partnership terming it a significant acceleration of the EU-Kenya CSO Cooperation.

“This forum is the culmination of a year-long inclusive dialogue, proving that when CSOs from all regional blocs come together with the EU Delegation, we possess the power to move mountains and co-create a truly inclusive, democratic future,” said Ms. Ageng’o.

Gracing the event also was Dr. Bonface Masini Ichwara, Director of General Economic Planning at the State Department for Economic Planning, who highlighted the fiscal importance of the partnership, terming it a strategic alignment of the EU's development priorities with Kenya's national economic agenda.

“The EU-Kenya Partnership is a crucial resource for our CSOs, enabling them to innovate and deliver on our national goals, particularly in economic planning and sustainable development,” stated Dr. Ichwara.

The forum aims to continue an inclusive dialogue, review progress on the EU Civil Society Roadmap (2022-2025), and produce a summary report with key recommendations for 2026.