Reinforcing Protection of the Kenya Border shared with Somalia
This grant funds training and equipment to boost Kenya’s border security with Somalia, focusing on night-vision, drone surveillance, and bomb disposal skills to protect U.S. personnel at Manda Bay Military Base.
Funder: Bureau of Counterterrorism
Due Dates: May 1, 2026 (questions due) | June 10, 2026 (full application due)
Funding Amounts: $200,000–$5,920,078 per award | 1 anticipated award | 15-month project period
Summary: Supports training and equipping a Kenyan tactical police unit to enhance border security with Somalia and protect U.S. interests.
Key Information: Cost share is encouraged but not required; open to nonprofits, for-profits, academic, and international organizations.
Description
This U.S. Department of State Bureau of Counterterrorism cooperative agreement aims to enhance the operational capabilities of one of Kenya’s advanced tactical law enforcement units within the Administrative Police Services (APS) responsible for securing the border with Somalia. The program focuses on strengthening Kenya’s ability to detect, deter, and neutralize terrorist actors, thereby directly increasing the protection of Americans and the Manda Bay Military Base (Camp Simba) in Lamu County, Kenya.
The initiative will deliver targeted training and equipment to improve:
- Low-light and night-vision operational capability
- Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) use for intelligence, reconnaissance, and surveillance (ISR)
- Organic explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) skills
The program is designed for a 15-month period, with substantial involvement from the Bureau of Counterterrorism and U.S. Embassy Nairobi in strategic guidance and oversight. Applicants are expected to propose evidence-based, context-appropriate, and sustainable activities that complement existing U.S. and Kenyan efforts.
