Kenya Grants Calendar 2026-27: Deadlines, Rolling Programmes and What to Prepare
This Kenya grants calendar lists the deadlines and rolling programmes worth tracking from late 2026 into 2027. It covers dates I could find from news and listing sites, so confirm each one on the official programme page before you apply.
Grants rarely have a single date. Some are rolling, some have yearly windows, and some are one-off calls.
How to use this calendar
- Check each date on the official site.
- Note that listings sometimes contain errors. One announcement listed a deadline of “31 November”, a date that does not exist, and advised applicants to verify directly with the programme.
- Never pay a fee to apply.
Dated Deadlines
| Deadline | Programme | Who it suits | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 Nov 2026 | MIT Solve 2027 Global Climate and Health Challenges | Innovators with a solution to a global challenge | Highly competitive and open globally |
| 15 Nov 2026 | D-Prize Startup Grant | Social-impact startups | Check eligibility on the D-Prize site |
| 30 Nov 2026 | 1,000 Young Entrepreneurs Start-Up Fund, Stage 1 in Kenya | Kenya residents under 30 with an early-stage idea, with seed funding of up to US$1,000 | Verify the exact date and requirements on the official page |
| 31 Dec 2026 | U.S. Embassy Self-Help Fund | Registered groups | Applications are rolling, but must be received by the end of the calendar year to be considered. Confirm the current window |
| 1 Jan to 1 Mar 2027 | Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme | African entrepreneurs with start-ups | The 2025 cycle ran from 1 January to 1 March. Confirm the 2027 dates on TEFConnect Get startup funding in Kenya (2026) +5 |
Rolling or Ongoing Programmes
| Programme | What to know |
|---|---|
| WIDU diaspora grant | Applications are rolling, and you register on the platform and find a diaspora donor in Europe. |
| NYOTA | The second phase of start-up capital began in January 2026. A report in September 2026 said the application portal had reopened. Follow official announcements and see our NYOTA guide. |
| Government loan funds (YEDF, WEF, Hustler Fund) | Mostly loans, with no fixed annual deadline Get startup funding in Kenya (2026) +2 |
Month-by-Month Preparation Plan
Now to December
- Register your group if you need one. See how to register a self-help group.
- Draft your Embassy proposal before the year-end cutoff. Read how to write a Self-Help Fund proposal.
- Gather your KRA PIN, business registration and ID copies.
January
- Check the TEF portal on 1 January and apply early.
February to March
- Submit before the TEF window closes, then wait for results.
All year
- Watch official channels for rolling programmes.
Documents to Keep Ready
- National ID and KRA PIN
- Business name or group registration certificate
- Bank statements or group bank details
- A one-page project summary
- A simple budget with quotations
Scam Check Before Every Application
- Is it free to apply? If not, walk away.
- Is the programme on an official website?
- Did you apply, or did someone message you first?
- Read our guide to fake government grants.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main grant deadlines in Kenya 2026-27?
The dated opportunities listed above, plus rolling programmes. Confirm each on the official site.
When does the Tony Elumelu Foundation open?
Its cycle has opened on 1 January and closed on 1 March in recent years. Check TEFConnect for the 2027 dates.
Is there a grant that never closes?
Some programmes accept rolling applications, but these still change. Confirm before you apply.
Do I have to pay to apply?
No. Real grants are free to apply for.
How often is this calendar updated?
Check the “Last updated” date at the top and verify each deadline yourself.
Dates come from public listings and may change. Always confirm on the official programme website before applying. This article is for information only.
