Looking for opportunities for young Kenyan innovators? If you are aged 21-35, you have until November 22, 2026, to apply for the Mekatilili Micro-grant Award. The grant offers up to KES 100,000 to back promising ideas. Whether you’re creating a community-based solution to a pressing problem or testing a prototype, the funding can take your cause to the next stage. This guide covers the eligibility criteria, supported projects, what’s not funded, and how to apply.
Projects Considered…
This programme is inspired by Mekatilili’s history, craftsmanship, creative learning, and innovation that addresses local needs. It seeks to support projects driven by creativity, curiosity, and problem-solving. Consider applying if your project involves any of the following:
Design & making. Your project should either be building, testing, or improving an already existing physical or digital solution.
Learning & education. The project can be exploring new approaches to teaching, learning, or developing practical skills.
Technology for communities. Making use of technology to create solutions to real-world problems.
Social innovation. Come up with new, creative solutions to local community challenges.
Creative experiments. Unconventional projects that don’t fit into traditional categories.
Who Is Eligible for the Mekatilili Micro-Grant Award 2026?
To be eligible for the Mekatilili Micro-Grant Award 2026:
- You must be a Kenyan citizen aged 21-35
- You must be applying as an individual or as part of a team of up to three people. The team is required to choose one lead applicant.
- The project must be Kenya-based.
- You must have made some progress with your project. Demonstrate that you’ve taken the necessary steps in either exploring, developing, or testing the idea.
- Be able to explain a clear next step the award will help you take, and demonstrate that it’s achievable with up to KES 100,000.
- You should be able to implement and achieve results within three months.
- You must be directly involved in the project’s development and implementation.
- You can only apply once in each grant cycle.
Interested in more funding opportunities for young people? Read our guide to funding opportunities for youth-led organisations in Kenya for additional support programmes.
The Mekatilili Micro-Grant Award Selection Criteria
The program will evaluate applications based on:
Potential to create an impact.
Is the project capable of bringing the change it’s designed for?
Human-centredness.
Is your approach grounded in the community, its needs, and challenges?
Feasibility.
Are you able to complete this next step with the funding available and within the timeline?
Learning potential.
Will this next step test your idea, help you gain useful insights, or move your project forward?
Resourcefulness.
Are you using the available funds creatively and wisely?
Eligible Expenses
The programme funds can only be used for materials, tools, and activities, including prototyping, testing, and learning, that help your project move forward.
Ineligible expenses
Successful applicants are prohibited from using the grant money to fund:
Salaries or stipends
- Personal expenses
- International travel
- Debt repayment
- Fundraising
- Alcohol
- Equipment and items primarily intended for personal use.
Understanding responsible use of grant funds is just as vital as securing them. Read our small business grant compliance guide to learn the most common grant funding mistakes and best ways to avoid them.
How to Apply for the Mekatilili Micro-Grant Award 2026
Step 1: Review the Application Questions
Interested in applying? Ensure you read and understand the Mekatilili Micro-Grant Application Questions before filling out the application form. This helps you prepare well in advance with your responses. It includes questions about personal details, eligibility, you project, plan, and budget.
Step 2: Prepare Your Project Budget
After reviewing the questions, your next step should be preparing your budget. The Mekatilili Micro-Grant Award has a budget template for applicants. Ensure you are as specific as possible. Your proposed costs must be aligned with your proposed project.
Step 3: Complete the Online Application
Once everything is ready, you can start your application. You should submit your application before November 22, 2026.
Seeking other funding opportunities? Read our guide to grants and resources for small businesses in Kenya to learn about programmes supporting Kenyan entrepreneurs.