Call for Applications: Peacebuilding and Prevention of Violent Extremism (PVE) in East Africa Programme (BRACE4PEACE Programme)

The Peacebuilding and Prevention of Violent Extremism (PVE) in East Africa Programme, also known as the BRACE4PEACE Programme, is a regional initiative implemented by the United Nations Development Programme in partnership with the Korea International Cooperation Agency. The programme adopts a development-oriented approach to conflict prevention, peacebuilding, crisis response, and the prevention of violent extremism across East Africa.

The initiative is anchored in a broader Humanitarian-Development-Peace Nexus framework, which seeks to integrate long-term development solutions with immediate peace and security interventions. It is designed to address the structural drivers of vulnerability, including unemployment, social exclusion, and lack of economic opportunity, which often contribute to instability and radicalisation.

In East Africa, the programme focuses primarily on Kenya, Somalia, and South Sudan, leveraging multi-level partnerships at regional, national, and community levels to strengthen resilience and promote sustainable peace.

Implementation Framework and Institutional Partnerships

In Kenya, the BRACE4PEACE Programme is implemented under the leadership of the State Department for Internal Security and National Administration. It works in close collaboration with key national institutions responsible for peacebuilding, security coordination, and social cohesion.

These include:

• The National Steering Committee on Peacebuilding and Conflict Management (NSC)
• The National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC)
• The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC)
• The Security Research and Information Centre (SRIC)
• The Inter-Religious Council of Kenya (IRCK)

Through these partnerships, the programme ensures a coordinated national response to violent extremism and strengthens community-level peace infrastructures. The approach combines policy engagement, capacity building, and grassroots interventions aimed at reducing vulnerability among at-risk populations.

Call for Applications: Capacity Building and Livelihood Support

As part of its socio-economic empowerment strategy, the BRACE4PEACE Programme is inviting applications from vulnerable youth and women across Isiolo, Samburu, Kisumu, Kilifi, and Nairobi counties. The initiative aims to reach more than 800 participants through free skills training and livelihood support.

The programme focuses on equipping participants with practical, market-relevant skills that enhance employability, encourage entrepreneurship, and promote sustainable income generation. It also contributes to peacebuilding objectives by addressing economic marginalisation, which is a key driver of social tension and insecurity.

UNDP Kenya has engaged Capacity Watch Africa Consulting Ltd to provide technical expertise in training delivery, mentorship, and post-training support to ensure effective outcomes.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Must be a resident of Isiolo, Samburu, Kisumu, Kilifi, or Nairobi counties
• Must be a youth aged 18–35 years OR a woman of any age from a vulnerable background
• Must come from a low-income household or female-headed household
• Must be willing to participate in a community-based self-help group
• Must be able to commit to training and mentorship sessions scheduled between May and December 2026

The selection process prioritises individuals who demonstrate motivation to improve their livelihoods and contribute positively to community development and cohesion.

County-Based Training Opportunities

The programme offers tailored training aligned with local economic opportunities and value chains in each county:

• Isiolo and Samburu: Beekeeping, beadwork, and handicrafts, supporting pastoral livelihoods and cultural industries
• Kisumu: Cage aquaculture, promoting sustainable fisheries and aquaculture entrepreneurship
• Kilifi: Coastal tourism, hospitality services, and related small business development
• Nairobi: Digital solutions, information and communication technology (ICT), and online entrepreneurship

All training is competency-based and delivered locally. It combines hands-on practical learning with mentorship from experienced trainers and successful entrepreneurs to ensure participants can immediately apply their skills.

Expected Benefits and Outcomes

Participants who successfully complete the programme will benefit from a range of economic and social empowerment opportunities, including:

• Practical vocational and entrepreneurial skills development
• Business development training, including planning and management
• Financial literacy and marketing skills enhancement
• Access to mentorship networks and peer support systems
• Potential provision of startup kits, subject to performance and commitment

Through these interventions, the programme aims to empower youth and women as active agents of economic resilience, social cohesion, and peacebuilding within their communities.

Application Process

Interested applicants are required to complete the Beneficiary Recruitment Questionnaire using the following link:
https://ee-eu.kobotoolbox.org/x/XQHBrvCH

Applicants may also access the form by scanning the QR code provided in the official announcement materials. All responses must be completed honestly and accurately to ensure fair selection and effective programme targeting.

Conclusion

The BRACE4PEACE Programme represents a strategic investment in human capital, community resilience, and sustainable peacebuilding across East Africa. By integrating livelihood support with peacebuilding objectives, the initiative addresses the root causes of vulnerability while creating pathways for inclusive economic participation.

Through coordinated efforts between international partners, national institutions, and local communities, the programme seeks to strengthen stability, reduce the risk of violent extremism, and promote long-term prosperity.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.