The Safiri Catalyst Accelerator

Accelerating bold, courageous young human rights advocates in Kenya.

A joint grassroots youth leadership incubator co-led by Safiri Youth Impact and Virtue Us International. We equip emerging leaders with operational tools, legal frameworks, executive coaching, and clinical mental health support to drive sustainable community-led change.

Apply to the accelerator

Applications open November 2 and close November 27, 2026.

Strategic vision & core philosophy

Identify bold young advocates and accelerate their efforts through ideas, information, connections and capital.

Our mission is to help emerging leaders drive courageous social change, improve their effectiveness and advance their missions. Our four C’s are Concepts, Cohort, Connections and Coaching.

Supporting the whole leader

Traditional accelerators can leave frontline grassroots leaders isolated. This program combines practical operational capacity building with clinical mental health support.

Track A: Safe Futures & Safeguarding

Led by Safiri Youth Impact, this track strengthens protection, advocacy and safe community practice.

Track B: Mental Wellness & Action

Led by Virtue Us International, this track supports resilience and sustainable action.

The Capstone Mandate: every Fellow designs, pitches and executes a six-month Capstone Action Project in their community.

The 11-month leadership journey

Recruitment & vetting

Nov 2 – Dec 18, 2026

Virtual accelerator

Jan 6 – Mar 17, 2027

Field deployment

Apr 5 – Sep 24, 2027

Audit & graduation

Oct 13 – Nov 17, 2027

Who should apply & what you receive

Young advocates aged 18–25 living in Nairobi or Migori County with a record of local advocacy are eligible. Fellows receive fully funded 12-week virtual modules, data connectivity, one-to-one executive coaching, field execution stipends and self-help group registration guidance. The program emphasizes zero-cash budgeting and offers data stipends for rural participants.

Apply to the accelerator Contact the team

Application window: November 2–27, 2026.