The DW Akademie Kenya TrustLab Incubator Programme 2025–2026 is now open for applications! This unique initiative, funded by the European Union (EU), supports Kenyan media organizations in combating digital threats and strengthening media freedom.
Organized by DW Akademie, Code for Africa (CfA), and Siasa Place, the TrustLab project empowers frontline organizations to respond to online harms with practical, community-driven solutions. The final edition of this three-year program invites participants to design innovative pilot projects that help safeguard digital spaces and media integrity.
About the Programme
The TrustLab Incubator follows the global Living Lab model, where participants engage in hands-on sessions to understand digital threats, such as surveillance, information manipulation, and malicious AI, and learn effective counter-strategies.
This initiative enables media defenders to collaborate through shared infrastructure, knowledge exchange, and sustainable innovation, thereby strengthening their resilience in an increasingly digital world.
Benefits of the TrustLab Programme
Selected organizations will gain access to:
- Up to €5,000 in grant funding to develop and implement their projects.
- Workshops and mentorship from digital security and media experts.
- Travel and accommodation coverage for in-person training sessions.
- Technical and strategic peer support to enhance project outcomes.
Programme Timeline
- Phase A: 1–5 December 2025 (Nairobi)
In-person workshop on understanding and mitigating digital threats in Kenya. - Phase B + C: 26–30 January 2026 (Nairobi)
Ideation and prototyping sessions to design effective media defence strategies, followed by online mentorship. - Phase D: March–August 2026 (Online)
Implementation of the best pilot projects, supported by funding and technical assistance.
Also Apply For: Join the Young Voices Contributor Program 2026
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the TrustLab Incubator, applicants must:
- Be registered media organizations based in Nairobi or Nakuru.
- Demonstrate a commitment to addressing digital harm such as misinformation, hate speech, and online intimidation.
- Maintain strong ties to the communities they serve.
- Be non-partisan and not affiliated with paramilitary or security institutions.
- Have skilled staff available for all programme phases.
Application Details
Deadline: 24 October 2025
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Funding: Up to €5,000
Interested organizations can apply online by completing the application form before the deadline.
For questions or support, visit DW Akademie Kenya TrustLab Incubator
The DW Akademie TrustLab Incubator 2025–2026 is a powerful opportunity for Kenyan media defenders to strengthen their ability to tackle digital threats through collaboration, innovation, and funding. Don’t miss this chance to become part of a growing network dedicated to building a safer and more trustworthy digital media space.
Apply by October 24, 2025, to join the movement for digital resilience!
