Consultancy Services to Deliver Advocacy and Strategic Alliance Building Training and Support the Establishment of County Level OPD Networks

## The full Request for Proposals (RFP) document is available at the following link: [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Tj-byva3H5TDKHpN55r-IN3BJPpcic36/view?usp=sharing](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Tj-byva3H5TDKHpN55r-IN3BJPpcic36/view?usp=sharing)

## About CEFA

CEFA – European Committee for Training and Agriculture is an Italian non-governmental organization established in 1972 and active in 10 countries across Africa, Latin America, and Eastern Europe. CEFA's medium- and long-term interventions in the agricultural, environmental, and human rights sectors are focused on the sustainable development of communities through the involvement of local counterparts and the active participation of local communities.

## About the Project

The **"Educational and Work Inclusion for Young Students with Disabilities" project (AID 012908/01/1)**, also referred to as **edu-WISE**, is a 36-month initiative funded by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation through the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), implemented by CEFA as lead applicant in partnership with Call Africa, Deaf Empowerment Kenya, the Federation of Kenyan Employers, TVETA, and the National Council for Persons with Disabilities.

The project is implemented in Nairobi, Murang'a, and Makueni Counties and aims to strengthen inclusive Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) systems, improving access to quality training and promoting the transition of young persons with disabilities into decent and inclusive employment.

edu-WISE adopts a systemic approach, working at both institutional and community levels to address barriers hindering the participation of persons with disabilities in TVET, including strengthening Vocational Training Centres (VTCs), promoting inclusive teaching practices, supporting curriculum adaptation, improving physical accessibility, and fostering linkages with the private sector.

## Background

Persons with disabilities (PWDs) continue to face significant barriers to meaningful participation in social, economic, and political life in Kenya. Despite progressive legal and policy frameworks, many PWDs remain underrepresented in decision-making processes that directly affect their lives. Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) play a critical role in advancing the rights and interests of PWDs. However, many OPDs face challenges related to limited advocacy capacity, insufficient access to decision-makers, weak networking structures, and inadequate resources to effectively influence policies at county and national levels.

Through a structured capacity building process, OPD representatives will be equipped with practical advocacy skills, knowledge of the disability rights framework, and tools for strategic engagement with public institutions, TVET providers, employers, and other stakeholders. The initiative will also support the establishment and strengthening of county-level OPD networks to foster collective action and coordinated advocacy.

## Objective of the Assignment

To strengthen the capacity of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) in Nairobi, Murang'a, and Makueni Counties to effectively advocate for the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities, and to establish sustainable county-level networks capable of influencing decision-making processes and promoting disability-inclusive policies and practices.

## Specific Objectives

- To strengthen the advocacy, leadership, and strategic engagement skills of selected OPD representatives.
- To enhance OPDs' knowledge of disability rights, existing legal and policy frameworks, and barriers affecting the inclusion of persons with disabilities in TVET and employment.
- To support the establishment and operationalization of three county-level OPD networks through the development of governance structures, strategic priorities, and monitoring mechanisms.
- To promote coordinated advocacy and collaboration among OPDs to increase their influence on disability-inclusive policies and practices.

## Scope of Work

The Consultant will design and deliver a capacity-building programme on advocacy and strategic alliance building for OPD representatives in Nairobi, Murang'a, and Makueni Counties, and provide technical support for the establishment and operationalization of three county-level OPD networks. The consultancy will be implemented through the following phases:

**Phase 1: Inception and Training Design**

- Review relevant project documents and existing legal and policy frameworks related to disability rights and inclusion in Kenya.
- Hold inception meetings with CEFA, Deaf Empowerment Kenya (DEK), and relevant stakeholders.
- Develop a comprehensive training curriculum, facilitation guide, and training materials.

**Phase 2: Delivery of County-Level Advocacy Trainings**

- Facilitate three five-day county-level trainings (one in Nairobi, one in Murang'a, and one in Makueni) for OPD representatives.
- Apply a Training of Trainers (ToT) approach to strengthen participants' capacity to transfer knowledge and skills within their organizations.
- Support participants in identifying key advocacy priorities and opportunities for stakeholder engagement.

**Phase 3: Establishment and Strengthening of OPD Networks**

- Facilitate the establishment of three county-level OPD networks.
- Support participating OPDs in defining governance structures, membership arrangements, and priority advocacy areas.
- Assist the networks in developing a governance framework, strategic action plan, and monitoring framework.

**Phase 4: Reporting**

- Compile and submit the final consultancy report, including key achievements, lessons learned, recommendations, and finalized governance and strategic documents.