The Kenyan Civil Society Strengthening Program (KCSSP) is a grant-making and capacity-building program jointly implemented by Pact, Inc. and Pact Kenya. Pact developed KCSSP in 2006 to strategically target those NGOS and other civil society actors with the greatest potential to build large constituencies for critical reforms needed in the democratic governance, conflict resolution and natural resource management (NRM) sectors. KCSSP is a six-year program funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

KCSSP’s objectives are:

•To ensure that targeted CSOs more effectively advocate for reforms, monitor government activities and provide other critical services to their constituents.

•To strengthen the capacity of CSOs, community-based organizations (CBOs), local peace structures and the Government of Kenya (GoK) to reduce incidences of violent conflict in target areas and ultimately advance peace in Kenya.

A range of grants are provided to qualified civil society organizations (CSOs) via an annual competitive application process to assist them in implementing their respective program strategies and to support achievement of the overall KCSSP program results of:

•Improved leadership and governance of Kenyan CSOs,

•Enhance ability of CSOs to build and work within coalitions and speak with a shared voice,

•Improved quality and quantity of services delivered to CSO constituents,

•Improved long-term viability of CSOs,

•Enhanced capacity to comprehensively plan for and implement the management of biodiversity and natural resources in an integrated fashion,

•Enhanced advocacy outreach on targeted NRM/biodiversity polices and legislation,

•Increased capacity of target communities, CSOs and GoK to prevent and/or respond to conflict,

Program partners (CSO grantees) benefit from extensive capacity-building support from Pact to improve service delivery to their constituents, including advocacy skills training, governance and leadership, resource mobilization, enhancing empowerment of disadvantaged constituents, improved monitoring of results and impact, and strengthened organizational capacity (improved management, governance, human resources, financial management, resource development, etc.). These services are provided through formal training programs, exchange and peer-to-peer relationships, and coaching and mentoring.

KCSSP currently supports some forty organizations working in democratic governance, conflict and peace-building, and NRM, including projects focusing on legislative and policy change, support to Parliament, anti-corruption, environmental justice, biodiversity conservation and nature-based enterprises.

Requests for Applications (RFAs) are usually advertised in national newspapers and via our website. Interested applicants should periodically consult the website regarding funding support opportunities.

For more information, please visit the Kenyan Civil Society Strengthening Program website, www.kcssp.org.