EU Ambassador Launches 14 New Grassroots Partnerships under META Project, Deepening EU-Kenya Civil Society Cooperation for Transformative Action
The Annual High-Level EU – Kenya Civil Society Forum officially opened today at the Kenya School of Government, under the theme: “Inclusive Dialogue, Collective Action For Transformative Action in Kenya”.
The highlight of the ceremony was the launch of 14 new sub-grantees across all six regional blocs in Kenya, marking a significant acceleration of the Meaningful Engagement – Transformative Action (META) initiative. This EU-funded project, implemented by a consortium led by FEMNET, the SDGs Kenya Forum, and WECF International, aims to strengthen the capacities and influence of Kenyan Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) as independent actors.
In her powerful keynote speech, H.E. Henriette Geiger, the EU Ambassador to Kenya,framed the launch as a key success of the 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. 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, and improved Governance”.
The opening session featured a strong chorus of support from government and civil society leaders, all underscoring the vital role of the EU-Kenya partnership.
Dr. Raymond Omollo, Principal Secretary, State Department for Internal Security and National Administration – Kenya, addressed the need for a strong enabling environment for CSOs:
“The Government of Kenya views Civil Society 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. 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.”
Hon. Harriet Chiggai, The Presidential Advisor on Women’s Rights, spoke to the forum’s cross-cutting themes of gender and youth:
“As Presidential Advisor on Women’s Rights, 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 Board, FEMNET, delivered the welcome address on behalf of the Executive Director:
“We welcome this 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”.
Dr. Masini Ichwara, PhD, Director General Economic Planning, State Department for Economic Planning, highlighted the fiscal importance of the partnership:
“The strategic alignment of the EU’s development priorities with Kenya’s national economic agenda is paramount. 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.”
The Forum aims to continue this structured, inclusive dialogue, review progress on the EU Civil Society Roadmap (2022-2025), and produce a summary report with key recommendations for 2026.