U.S. Embassy Nairobi, Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) Annual Program Statement

Program Description

Goals and Objectives

The U.S. Embassy Nairobi, Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce that funding is available through its Small Grants Program. This is an Annual Program Statement, outlining our funding priorities, the strategic themes we focus on, and the procedures for submitting requests for funding.  

Priority Program Areas: Proposals must address one of the following key program areas:

1. Economic Prosperity – Advances the prosperity of the United States and Kenya through a fair and reciprocal economic partnership, the strengthening of Kenya’s business climate, support for its startup ecosystem, energy solutions, and higher education cooperation that creates economic opportunities for both of our countries.

2. Democracy and Governance – Deepens the bilateral relationship on a broad range of common interests including respect for human rights, safeguarding civic space, rule of law, public accountability, anti-corruption efforts, shared democratic values, and protection of fundamental freedoms.

3. U.S.-Kenya Creative Economy Partnership – Engage creative economy leaders, the Kenyan public, the investor community, and government officials in support of creative economy development and U.S.-Kenya partnership. Program goals could include Government of Kenya policies adopted in support of creative economy growth, advancement of intellectual property protections, U.S.-Kenya creative industry investment opportunities, public understanding and support for U.S. creative economy engagement in Kenya, strengthening of professional networks across different industries, and development of Kenyan university initiatives that facilitate creative economy education and job growth.  

4. U.S.-Kenya Higher Education Partnership – Launching and strengthening of long-term joint initiatives between Kenyan and U.S. universities, especially focused on technology, joint research, and private-sector job growth. Program goals could include mutually beneficial tech, education, and business developments for students, researchers, startups, faculty, and larger commercial enterprises. Proposed fields for U.S.-Kenya university cooperation could include trade and investment, economic growth, renewable energy and green industrialization, global health advancements, and security cooperation.

Participants and Audiences:

Kenyans who may be in any of the following categories;

• Kenyans between the ages of 16 and 35, including students, civil society leaders and  social influencers;

• Business leaders and rising entrepreneurs;

• Established opinion leaders, including cultural influencers and academic institution leadership.