Govt Agency Launches New Programme to Empower Widows and Vulnerable Families Across Kenya
The Unclaimed Financial Assets Authority (UFAA) has announced a new opportunity for organizations seeking to support widows and vulnerable households across the country through its Wezesha Mjane Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme.
The government agency is inviting eligible organizations to submit funding proposals aimed at improving the economic and social well-being of widows and families headed by widows.
According to UFAA, the Wezesha Mjane programme is open to a wide range of organizations, including Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), foundations, community-based organizations (CBOs), and registered self-help groups.
The initiative is designed to partner with organizations that are already working within communities and have practical solutions that can help widows achieve financial independence and improve their living standards.
The main goal of the programme is to empower widows by supporting projects that promote self-reliance, increase access to education, and create sustainable income-generating opportunities.
UFAA says the initiative focuses not only on short-term relief but also on long-term empowerment by helping widows build stable livelihoods and secure better futures for their families.
The programme also seeks to address social challenges faced by widows, including limited economic opportunities and reduced access to education for their children.
For the 2026 funding cycle, each successful project is expected to receive approximately Ksh 2.75 million.
Out of this amount, about Ksh 2.25 million will be used directly for project implementation, while Ksh 500,000 will be set aside specifically for scholarships targeting children from needy widow-led households.
This scholarship component is intended to ensure that children from vulnerable families are able to continue their education without interruption due to financial difficulties.
Organizations applying for funding will be required to undergo a detailed evaluation process consisting of three main stages. The first stage involves mandatory requirements, followed by technical and financial assessments.
To meet the mandatory qualifications, applicants must provide proof of legal registration and demonstrate an established operational history.
Required documents include registration certificates, organizational constitutions or articles of association, audited financial statements prepared by certified auditors, and a list of board members or trustees.
Applicants must also submit a self-declaration confirming compliance with anti-corruption and anti-fraud regulations.
In addition, organizations must show evidence of operational stability by proving that they have been active for at least three years.
This requirement is meant to ensure that only experienced organizations with a track record of community engagement are entrusted with public resources.
During the technical evaluation stage, UFAA will assess how effectively the proposed projects are likely to deliver measurable and meaningful impact. Projects must clearly demonstrate how they will directly benefit widows or widow-led households.
Evaluation will also consider past performance, including documented achievements in similar initiatives, community involvement in project design and implementation, and the ability to sustain project benefits even after the 12-month funding period ends.
The inclusion of a scholarship element for children from needy families is also a key consideration in the technical assessment.
The financial evaluation will focus on the proposed budget and how funds will be utilized. UFAA has set clear guidelines to ensure responsible use of resources. Administrative expenses must not exceed 25 percent of the total project cost, while training-related expenses are capped at 20 percent.
Applicants are also expected to indicate their own contribution to the project, either through financial support or in-kind contributions such as equipment, personnel, or other resources.
The Wezesha Mjane programme was first launched in 2023 and has since completed several funding cycles aimed at supporting widows across different regions in Kenya.
UFAA has clarified that the initiative is independent from other programmes using the “Wezesha” name, such as the Safaricom Foundation’s youth-focused Wezesha programme and the M-Pesa Foundation’s Wezesha Mama programme introduced in 2025.
Organizations interested in applying can access the detailed application guidelines and submit their proposals through email at csr@ufaa.go.ke. Applications can also be delivered physically to UFAA’s offices located at Pacis Centre, 2nd Floor, Westlands in Nairobi.
The deadline for submission for the 2026 funding cycle has been set for March 6, 2026, at 10:30 a.m., after which the evaluation process will begin.
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