Protecting and Promoting Civic Space in Kenya

About this grant

The project goal is to defend and promote civic space and foster a safe and enabling environment for civil society actors. To achieve this, the Defenders Coalition safeguards the work of civil society organizations and human rights defenders working at the frontlines of the rule of law, transparency and corruption. The grantee provides training that builds the capacity of human rights defenders and civil society organizations to respond to imminent attacks resulting from their work. In addition, the grantee convenes activists to build solidarity and encourages collective action. This work enables actors to respond to and mitigate any safety and security risks they face. Recent protests and subsequent violence and intimidation of activists in Kenya have increased the demand for the grantee’s work. This grant increase will support the grantee to expand the scope and reach of its services in support of human rights defenders involved in protests. This will include providing legal, medical and other forms of support. Defenders Coalition is a nonprofit organization based in Nairobi, Kenya. It strengthens the capacity of civil society actors and human rights defenders to work effectively and reduce their vulnerability to the risk of persecution.