Deadline: October 24, 2025
Are you a Kenyan media organisation passionate about tackling digital threats and building safer information spaces? The DW Akademie Kenya – TrustLab Incubator Programme 2025-2026 is your chance to strengthen your digital resilience, develop innovative community-led solutions, and access up to €5,000 in project funding.
About the DW Akademie Kenya – TrustLab Incubator Programme 2025-2026
The DW Akademie Kenya – TrustLab Incubator Programme 2025-2026 is a three-year, EU-funded initiative delivered by DW Akademie, in partnership with Code for Africa (CfA) and Siasa Place.
The programme aims to support frontline organisations in Kenya—especially media outlets—to respond effectively to digital threats. Participants will design and implement locally relevant, community-led pilot projects that promote trust, safety, and resilience in the digital space.
What the Programme Offers
Selected participants will receive a comprehensive support package including:
- 💰 Grant Funding: Up to €5,000 to implement their prototype or pilot project.
- 🧑🏫 Expert Mentorship: Access to seasoned mentors and digital safety specialists.
- ⚙️ Tools & Resources: Guidance and access to digital tools for project development.
- ✈️ Fully-Funded Workshops: Travel and accommodation costs are covered for all in-person training phases.
Programme Phases and Timeline
The DW Akademie Kenya – TrustLab Incubator Programme 2025-2026 unfolds in four key phases, designed to help participants move from learning to implementation.
| Phase | Description | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Phase A – Learning & Awareness | A five-day, face-to-face workshop in Nairobi. Participants will explore digital threats like surveillance, malicious AI, hate speech, misinformation, and online intimidation, while identifying tools and community strategies to counter them. | 1 – 5 December 2025 |
| Phases B & C – Ideation and Prototyping | Participants will take part in a second workshop (26–30 January 2026) focused on ideation and prototyping, followed by an online mentorship period to refine their project ideas. | January – February 2026 |
| Phase D – Implementation | Selected organisations will receive up to €5,000 in funding and tailored mentorship to bring their prototypes to life. They will also gain strategic, technical, and peer support from experts. | March – August 2026 |
🔹 Note: Participation in all sessions during Phases A–C is mandatory to qualify for Phase D funding.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the DW Akademie Kenya – TrustLab Incubator Programme, applicants must:
- Be a media organisation based in Nairobi or Nakuru, Kenya.
- Be registered with the relevant Kenyan authorities.
- Have a committed and skilled team available to participate in all phases.
- Be non-partisan and not affiliated with any paramilitary or security organisation.
- Maintain strong community engagement and demonstrate a commitment to combating digital threats such as misinformation, surveillance, hate speech, and online harassment.
Application Deadline
The application deadline is 24 October 2025.
Successful applicants will be notified ahead of the first training phase scheduled for December 2025.
How to Apply
Interested organisations are encouraged to apply through the official Google Form.
👉 Read more about the programme
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