Turning Waste into Wealth: How Women and Youth Are Changing Their Lives in Kenya’s War on Plastic Pollution

**Mercy Kamene sorts plastic bottles after collecting them from trash***. Photo:* ***Daisy Obare/FCA***

Each morning before sunrise, Gladys Wanjiku, a 39-year-old mother of two, walks through Kitengela’s dusty streets, markets, and residential areas with a large sack over her shoulder. She scans the ground for plastic bottles, food wrappers, and discarded packaging. For Gladys, this waste is more than just trash—it’s a lifeline.

Her hands, calloused and stained, dig through bins and trenches, sorting through layers of waste. Sometimes, children trail behind her—helping, watching, learning. It’s a scene repeated daily, a quiet act of survival and hope on the edges of a fast-growing town.

“For years, I struggled to find work,” she says, separating bottles from a heap of garbage near a dumpsite. “But collecting and selling plastics has allowed me to feed my family and send my children to school.”

On a good day, Gladys and others like her collect over 20 kilograms of plastics and earn around Ksh 600. On bad days—when it rains—they return empty-handed, exhausted and discouraged.

Kenya’s Plastic Crisis: A Growing Threat and Hidden Opportunity

Gladys’ daily hunt for plastics is part of a larger battle against Kenya’s growing waste crisis. The country consumes over 500,000 metric tons of plastic annually, generating 1 million tons of plastic waste—yet only 8–10% is recycled (UNEP, 2023). The rest clogs landfills, rivers, and oceans, with Nairobi River alone carrying microplastics in 90% of water samples (University of Nairobi, 2023).

Single-use packaging—food wrappers, bottles, and bags—accounts for 60% of this pollution, leaching toxins into soil and water, harming wildlife, and threatening human health. When burned—a common disposal method—plastics release carcinogens like dioxins. A 2022 Ministry of Health study linked prolonged exposure to respiratory diseases and hormonal disruptions, particularly among waste pickers.

Economically, Kenya loses Ksh 4 billion yearly in tourism and fisheries due to plastic-clogged beaches and lakes (NEMA, 2023). Yet, within this crisis lies an unexpected opportunity: a growing army of women and youth turning waste into income.

From Trash to Income

Dennis Cheruyot on the motorbike he purchased through his savings group—now earning extra income as a boda boda rider while continuing his waste collection work

For 30-year-old Dennis Cheruyot, waste picking was never part of his plans. Growing up in Kitengela, he dreamed of joining college, but financial constraints forced him to abandon his education. Struggling to survive, he turned to collecting and selling plastics—a decision that would ultimately change his life.

“I started alone, picking up plastic bottles to sell for a few shillings. It was tough, but I had no choice. Over time, I met others doing the same, and we decided to form a group,” Dennis recalls.

Together, they established Alliance Self-Help Group, a collective of waste pickers who pool their resources and support each other. Through their efforts, they collect over 500 kilograms of plastic waste a month, selling it in bulk to recyclers like TakaTaka Solutions.

FCA Kenya staff handing over livelihood start up kits to Alliance Self Help Group — *FCA Kenya staff hand over livelihood startup kits to the Alliance Self-Help Group*

With support from FCA Kenya and the Women’s Bank, the group has received training in waste management, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship. Dennis even took out a small loan from their savings group to buy a motorbike for extra income.

“Now, I collect waste in the morning and do boda boda work in the afternoon,” he says with a smile. “This has doubled my earnings.”

The Gender Shift in Waste Work

Traditionally, waste picking in Kenya has been dominated by men. But more and more women—like Mercy Kamene—are stepping up and transforming the landscape.

Mercy, chairlady of the Alliance Self-Help Group, began collecting plastic in 2020 after losing her job. “I was desperate,” she says. “But through this work, I’ve been able to educate my children and start a pig-rearing business. I now aspire to promote environmental conservation by venturing into the e-waste business.”

Mercy and her group cover residential estates, open-air markets, and other busy zones, collecting over 500 kilograms of plastic waste each month. But the work isn’t easy—long hours, extreme weather, and harassment from authorities are all part of the job. A lack of personal protective equipment (PPE) once left Mercy vulnerable to injury. Low prices for waste created a cycle of financial instability, making it hard to save or invest.

Everything changed when she joined the Business from Waste project. Mercy now works safely with proper PPE and has received GSLA training in financial management, savings, and entrepreneurship. She also learned to recognise and support mental health—both in herself and in her group.

“Our dream is to open our own recycling plant,” she says proudly. “We want to control the value chain.”

Building a Circular Economy

Members of the Alliance Self-Help Group during their Group Savings and Loan Association (*GSLA*) *meeting*

Mercy’s transformation didn’t happen in isolation. It’s part of a quiet revolution being driven by organisations like FCA Kenya, which has turned plastic waste into a pathway out of poverty for hundreds of women and youth across five counties. Thanks to Women’s Bank funding.

“Before, we were invisible,” says Mercy, adjusting her branded safety vest during a break at the Alliance Group’s sorting site. “Now we have scales to weigh our collections, contracts with recyclers, and even childcare so our babies aren’t breathing dump fumes.” The numbers reveal the scale of change: 80% of trainees are women, each accessing financial literacy training, startup kits, and—most crucially—a fair price for their labor.

Selestine Omboga, FCA’s Program Support Officer, watches Mercy’s group negotiate with a waste picker buyer and smiles. “Women waste pickers don’t just carry sacks—they carry families. While men compete for high-value waste in dumps, women dominate household collections while managing childcare and societal shame. We’ve set up childcare centre so they can work without worry —it’s the reason mothers can finally meet their daily collection targets.

The project also promotes access to start-up kits, linking waste workers to formal markets and helping them transition from survival work to sustainable entrepreneurship.

Scaling Up Waste Innovation

*FCA Kenya Assistant Project Support Officer Selestine Omboga trains members of a self-help group during a financial literacy session*

While FCA focuses on training and support waste pickers, private companies like TakaTaka Solutions are transforming this grassroots hustle into a formalised supply chain. The Kiambu-based waste management company processes 60 tonnes of waste daily through an innovative model that directly benefits waste pickers.

“We train and equip 1,400 waste pickers—1,000 of them women—paying Ksh 25 per kilogram,” explains Debbie Maina, TakaTaka solutions’s project coordinator. The collected plastic gets shredded into pellets for export, creating value from what was once considered worthless.

Yet challenges persist. “Only 15% of Nairobi’s waste pickers are formalised,” Maina notes. “When waste isn’t properly sorted at the household level, our recycling costs increase significantly. County governments need to enforce waste separation policies to make this system work for everyone.”

Policy Shifts and the Future of Waste Work

Kenya was one of the first African countries to ban single-use plastic bags in 2017 and later prohibited plastic bottles in protected areas. But enforcement remains patchy, especially in rural and border towns.

Faith Nasiku, a county social services officer, notes growing recognition of waste pickers’ importance: “Government and community leaders are finally seeing these workers as valuable partners in waste management.” We urge more donors to support these waste picker groups to expand their opportunities and reduce gender-based violence (GBV).”

A Call to Action

The next time you discard plastic, remember: in the hands of women like Gladys and Mercy, it becomes school fees, business capital, and hope. Support waste pickers, advocate for better policies, and be part of the solution.

Why do we support women?

Text: Daisy Obare

FCA Kenya Receives over 6,000 Books Donation to Boost Literacy in Kakuma Refugee Camp

KNLS Director and Book Aid International proudly hand over 6,000 books to Finn Church Aid Country Director John Bongei. — ***KNLS and Book Aid International handing over 6,000 books to Finn Church Aid Country Director John Bongei***. *Photo:* ***Daisy Obare/FCA***

More than 30,000 learners in Kakuma and Dadaab refugee camps will soon receive new learning materials, thanks to a generous book donation.

In celebration of World Book and Copyright Day, the Kenya National Library Service (KNLS), in partnership with Book Aid International (BAI) and Finn Church Aid Kenya (FCA Kenya), flagged off a consignment of over 6,000 books valued at KES 7.5 million (Euro 56,000). These books will support students across eight FCA-supported schools in the two camps.

The handover ceremony, held at the KNLS headquarters, marked a significant milestone in enhancing literacy and education in marginalized communities. The event was led by FCA Kenya Country Director John Bongei and KNLS Director of Culture Betty Kalugo, with attendance from Mary Kinyanjui, Head of the Department of Acquisition, Cataloguing, Classification, and Distribution at KNLS; Deborah Tendo, author and Commercial Development Officer at Wells Fargo; and other FCA staff.

Betty Kalugo, Director of Culture at KNLS, expressed her support for the initiative, highlighting the importance of ensuring that books reach communities with limited access to learning materials.

“On behalf of the KNLS Board, we are honored and privileged to support this initiative. The books from Book Aid International will make a meaningful impact in communities where access to learning materials is limited,” she said. “Books are gateways to knowledge, and today, we celebrate by ensuring they reach the children who need them most.”

John Bongei, FCA Country Director, expressed gratitude for the partnership, noting that the books will benefit learners from early childhood to secondary school in Kakuma and Dadaab.

“These books will support literacy, numeracy, and a culture of reading in underserved communities. This partnership with KNLS and Book Aid International is just the beginning. We now appeal to local publishers to help us with curriculum-based materials as donor funding declines,” Bongei said.

Book Aid Internationall Donating books to FCA Kenya

Deborah Tendo shared a heartfelt reflection as both an author and logistics partner. “As a child who grew up in the slums, I relied on KNLS’s mobile libraries. It’s powerful to now be part of the team ensuring books reach refugee camps. Every child should have access to books — they are tools for dreaming and discovery.”

FCA ECHO Project Manager Joseph Kyutha, emphasised the impact of the donation on the ground. “We work with over 36,000 learners across primary and secondary schools in Kakuma and Dadaab. These books will be crucial in improving literacy and educational outcomes,” he said.

The event highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships in advancing the Right to Education, especially in remote and underserved regions. With support from organisations like BAI and KNLS, FCA continues its mission to create lasting change through education.

Watch more: FCA Kenya featured on Citizen TV on International Book Day

Text: Daisy Obare

Students Turn School Gardens into Climate Solutions

***Students from Bright Star Secondary with their teacher in the kitchen garden, learning how to grow food and protect the environment.*** *Photo/Elisha Nyakweba*

While many students are enjoying their holiday break, students at Bright Star Secondary School—one of FCA’s supported schools—are spending their time nurturing both crops and climate solutions. Through the school’s Agriculture Club, these young change-makers are changing their kitchen garden into a living classroom, under the close guidance of their Head Teacher, Mr. Elisha Nyakweba.

**Bright Star Secondary students preparing natural neem-based pesticides as part of their climate-smart farming lessons.** Photo: *Elisha Nyakweba*

Kenya has been experiencing a prolonged drought, fewer trees, and reduced fresh air circulation—clear signs of the worsening effects of climate change. In response, students at Bright Star are gaining hands-on experience in climate-smart farming. With guidance from their teachers, they are preparing natural neem-based pesticides, tending to healthy crops, conserving water and planting trees

These activities are equipping students with practical skills that go beyond the classroom—skills that help protect the environment, provide fresh food for their families, and prepare them to tackle real-world challenges. The kitchen garden is more than just a school project; it’s a space where learners grow in knowledge, responsibility, and their commitment to a greener future.

With their growing skills and strong commitment, these students have the potential to lead Kenya toward a more sustainable and resilient agricultural future. Their dedication during the school holiday is a powerful reminder of what young people can achieve when they are empowered and guided with purpose.

Text: Daisy Obare

Harry Owino once loved video games—now he’s building the web behind them

*Harry Owino at FCA’s Creative Industries Hub in Jericho, Nairobi, working on a web design project during his training.* ***Photo: Macie Mambo/FCA***

When Harry Owino first got his hands on a computer in 2007, he was just a boy in Nairobi fascinated by video games like Road Rash and Virtual Cop. But while other kids were racing bikes, Harry was asking a different question:

“How are these games even made?”

That simple curiosity led him into the world of tech—and eventually shaped his career.

Harry’s tech journey began when his father brought home a computer, hoping it would help with schoolwork. But Harry saw more than just a machine.

“I wasn’t just playing games,” Harry recalls. “I was trying to figure out how they worked behind the scenes.”

His curiosity led him to pursue multimedia at the Africa Digital Media Institute, followed by a certificate and diploma in computer science at St. Paul’s University. Even though he once struggled with math, Harry discovered that the tech world had space for creativity, too.

Skills That Open Doors

*Harry Owino at FCA’s Creative Industries Hub in Jericho, Nairobi*. ***Photo: Macie Mambo/FCA***

In 2024, Harry joined the Enhanced Digital Skills Program by FCA Kenya, funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland and hosted at Jericho’s Creative Hub. The training is part of FCA’s Creative Industries Programme, which is free of charge and specifically designed for low-income youth from areas such as Dandora, Korogocho, Jericho, Umoja, and Kayole.

“Without this opportunity, I wouldn’t have had the chance to study web development at all,” Harry says. “This program changed everything for me.”

The program trains young people to become graphic designers, animators, digital marketers, and web developers, helping them gain the skills needed for future job markets. By the end of 2023, 62% of participants had secured paid work—74% of them within just six months of joining.

Harry specialised in Web Design and Development, expanding his skills into mobile app development using Flutter and Android Studio, and finally making peace with PHP, a programming language he once dreaded. With the guidance of trainers, Harry was able to overcome those challenges.

“I used to get stuck watching endless tutorials,” he says. “This course helped me shift from just learning to actually building things.”

After completing the program, Harry landed an internship with FinTech Group Kenya, where he helped redesign the website for FinFinancials, a platform that supports financial service organisations.

“That internship showed me I could actually apply what I’d learned to solve real problems,” he says.

Since then, he’s worked on freelance projects for clients like Lewis Huxley, an animation creator, and Jenge Kulture, a local creative collective. These wins have helped him build both a portfolio and confidence.

Harry knows the tech world is competitive—and fast-changing. But he’s not afraid.

“There are senior developers out there, and AI is getting smarter every day. But I don’t let that discourage me. I stay focused on my own journey.”

Now, Harry is working as a freelance developer while saving money to fund a bigger dream: starting his own mobile game and app development studio in Kenya. His goal is to build a business that not only supports his career but also creates jobs for other young tech creatives.

In five to ten years, he hopes to be running a successful company and mentoring new developers.

“I want to show others that you don’t have to come from a wealthy background to succeed in tech,” he says. “You just have to keep learning, stay curious, and believe in your path.”

Harry encourages other young people interested in tech to take their time, trust the process, and stay consistent.

“Don’t chase every trend. Do what you understand, and do it well,” he says. “Your work will speak for itself.”

Text: Macie Mambo, Edited by:Daisy Obare

How FCA Kenya Helped Najila Luka Turn Her Education Dreams Into Reality

*Najila Luka stands proudly in her school uniform at Blue State Senior School in Kakuma.* ***Photo: Bjorn Udd/FCA***

At just 16 years old, Najila Luka already knows the weight of responsibility. She carries it each time she walks to the market with a tray of homemade bread balanced in her arms — not just for survival, but for her dream: to stay in school.

Najila lives in Kakuma refugee camp in northwestern Kenya. She arrived there as a toddler, cradled on her mother’s back, after her family fled conflict in northern Sudan. Her mother, alone and determined, brought her eight children across the border in search of safety.

In many refugee communities, education often takes a back seat to daily survival. Teenage girls are the most vulnerable — pulled from school to help with household chores, married off early, or forced to find small jobs to support their families. Many never make it past primary school.

*Najila Luka attends a class with her friends at Blue State Senior School in Kakuma.*

Najila could have been one of them. But instead, with determination and the support of her family, she made it through primary school and is now continuing her education in secondary school.

“ My family and I bake bread from the food rations we receive,” she says, standing beside a modest charcoal stove. “We sell it at the market. I help out on weekends and after school — that’s how we earn a little money for school fees and other needs.”

She now studies at Blue State Senior School in Kakuma, run by Jesuit Refugee Service, an education implementing partner for UNHCR. FCA is an operating partner supporting access through cash based intervention for transport and uniform, and procurement of Teaching and learning materials.

Najila is proud to be one of them.

“I really value education,” she says. “It opens your mind. It helps you see the world differently.”

Her eyes light up when she speaks about her dream — to become a journalist.

“We once visited a radio station, and I thought, wow, this is something I could do. It seemed so exciting — asking questions, sharing stories. It just seems like a cool career. I want to do that. And maybe one day, I can support my family too.”

But her path hasn’t been easy. Until recently, she didn’t even have her own school uniform. Instead, she borrowed one from a neighbor — worn thin, oversized, and faded with use. She remembers how it made her feel.

“I know it sounds small, but wearing that old uniform made me feel like I wasn’t as good as the other students,”she says softly. “I was afraid to speak up in class or ask questions.”

Things changed when ECHO, through FCA Kenya’s ‘Promoting Access to Quality Inclusive Education in Protective Learning Environments in Kakuma, Dadaab Refugee Camps, and Kalobeyei Reception Center’ (PIEPLE) project, provided Najila with KES 2,029 in cash assistance and school supplies. The grant was calculated to cover the cost of one school uniform. For the first time, she was able to buy a uniform that fit her — clean, neat, and truly hers.

“Now, I feel confident. I feel like I belong,” she says with a bright smile. “I can talk to my teachers. I’m not afraid anymore.”

She even managed to buy the uniform for less than expected — and used the remaining money to buy a skirt for her younger sister’s school outfit.

“That made me really happy,” she says. “Helping my sister gave me hope.”

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Text: Daisy Obare /FCA

US government terminates almost 7 million US dollars of FCA grants

**Kids in a class session at one of the FCA schools in Kakuma.**

The US government has terminated all funds provided by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration to FCA, representing nearly 10 per cent of FCA’s global budget.

“We must understand that this is now not only about money but literally about the world we want to live in.” – Tomi Järvinen, FCA Executive Director.

OVER 209,000 refugee schoolchildren are at risk of losing their access to education, after US support to FCA projects in Kenya and Uganda was terminated, representing a loss of 6.95 million USD or 10 per cent of FCA’s global budget.

FCA were recently informed of the decision to terminate funding by the US State Department, following a notice of a funding freeze the previous month. Many other international aid organisations are receiving similar letters.

The impacts are severe. FCA’s US-funded LEARN project in Uganda, and RISEproject in Kenya, supported children and youth with school supplies, mental health support, safe learning spaces, menstrual hygiene support, and specialised support to children with disabilities, like assistive devices and trained teachers. Meanwhile, the regional PATH project in both countries provided skilling and training programmes for youth seeking employment. These programmes have now all ceased.

Over 150 jobs affected – more expected

151 FCA staff and teachers in both countries are affected, of which 102 have already been laid off or lost their jobs. Further effects are expected on staffing levels globally, as operational budgets are also affected negatively to an expected 1 million euros.

Executive Director, Tomi Järvinen, stresses the knock-on effect of these decisions:

“FCA has a diverse range of donors, but it is an inescapable fact that the US is the largest single donor of global aid, contributing $72 billion in assistance in 2023. Furthermore, its funding supports many multilateral systems and UN agencies.

A termination of US aid has a ripple effect on humanitarian projects worldwide, destabilising vulnerable communities. The effects on UN agencies can have significant consequences on FCA, as many of our projects are funded by UN organisations such as UNHCR, UNICEF, UNDP, UN Women and UN OCHA.”

Ripple effects will lead to reversal in progress

The impacts beyond the classroom are also devastating. Without adequate funding, FCA and other organisations can no longer secure the safety, protection and wellbeing of children as well as the wider refugee and host communities and can no longer provide lifesaving education and livelihoods support to these populations.

Entire communities of children and young people now face immediate safeguarding risks, such as teenage pregnancy, forced marriage or suicide, and are at increased risk of dropping out of school. To further compound this, the termination of awards come at an increasingly difficult time, especially with increasing new refugee arrivals escaping the current ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and immediate threats from the Ebola and MPox viruses in Uganda especially.

“The termination of our two grants will significantly impact our programmes,” says FCA Uganda Country Director Wycliffe Nsheka. “Over the past two months, as funds were frozen, our operations in refugee settlements have faced severe disruptions. Key activities, including emergency learning spaces, provision of education materials, teacher salaries, and the distribution of scholastic materials, have been halted.

In the various settlements, essential education initiatives have been suspended, worsening the teacher-learner ratio from 1:57 to 1:86, and resulting in a 40% increase in school fees. This escalation will inevitably reduce learner enrollment. Without urgent intervention, the long-term impacts could reverse the progress we have made in education and child protection services.”

According to John Bongei, FCA’s country director in Kenya, the termination has significantly disrupted education in Kalobeyei settlement-Kenya, affecting over 35,836 learners across 10 schools. One of the most immediate impacts has been the non-payment of 58% of teachers, including 120 refugee teachers and 49 national teachers, leading to increased absenteeism and a decline in teaching quality.

“The funding termination has created an unprecedented crisis in Kalobeyei-Kenya refugee settlement, threatening the educational future of thousands of refugee children. Without immediate support, we risk not only the closure of schools and the loss of teachers but also the well-being of an entire generation. This funding is crucial to ensuring that children continue to access the quality education they deserve and that the community’s resilience is not further eroded,” he says.

Entire communities affected

Other education projects in Kenya and Uganda’s refugee settlements will continue, thanks to donors such as the European Union, but the need is great. FCA is one of 99 signatories to a recent open letter to decision makers in the European Union and member states to step up support via VOICE, the largest European humanitarian NGO network.

According to the letter: ‘The US decision is unprecedented in scale, form, and impact, and is part of a worrying long-term trend. The gap between humanitarian needs and available funding has more than tripled from $8.4 billion in 2016 to $26 billion in 2024, due to a massive increase in needs and, more recently, significant funding cuts from multiple donors, including European States.’

But at heart, adds Järvinen, it’s not just about money:

“We must understand that this is now not only about only but literally about the world in which we want to live. Is this a world where every person has equal value? If so, we must share resources with the most vulnerable: those who cannot defend themselves; victims of conflicts; and natural disasters.

Now, more than ever, we call on other international donors, including the European Union, the Finnish government and the emerging donors like the Gulf countries to increase their contribution. We also appeal to for private donations to continue the work.”

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You can support FCA’s work by donating directly here.

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For further information contact:

FCA Kenya Country Director John Bongei. Email- John.Bongei@kua.fi

Text: Ruth Owen /FCA

Creating Opportunities for Youth employment in Kenya

**Kenyan Youth Trained for Job Opportunities** / Photo credit: Gerald Abele

FCA Kenya, TAMK, and Kenyan TVET institutions are working together to improve vocational education and create jobs for young people in Kenya.

With funding from GIZ, the “Youth Employment and TVET in Kenya” project uses the “Dual TVET” approach to connect education with workplaces, equipping youth with essential skills while addressing unemployment by integrating Finnish educational expertise with local Kenyan needs. Read more: Youth Employment and TVET in Kenya: Progress and Future

Text: Daisy Obare/FCA

FCA Kenya Celebrates International Youth Day with a Call for Youth Empowerment

***A WICE participant taking a photo at St. Phillips Jericho as they celebrate International Youth Day***

FCA Kenya marked International Youth Day yesterday at ACK St. Philips – Jericho, with a strong emphasis on empowering young people to navigate the complexities of modern life. The event, themed “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development,” highlighted the importance of equipping the youth with digital and entrepreneurial skills to drive sustainable growth.

Speaking during the event, Faith Inyanchi, Fundraising and Partnership Manager at FCA Kenya, urged the government to forge strategic partnerships with private institutions. “Such collaborations are essential in providing young people with the skills they need to thrive in today’s digital economy,” she stated.

FCA Kenya has been at the forefront of empowering youth through its comprehensive training and mentorship programs. These initiatives focus on developing digital entrepreneurial skills, ensuring that participants are well-prepared for the challenges of the creative industry.

***Roy Gitahi, Chairman of Art at Work, addressing the youth at Jericho during International Youth Day***

As FCA Kenya reaffirmed its commitment to equipping young people with the skills, knowledge, and networks they need to succeed in the digital age, Roy Gitahi, Chairman of Art at Work, said, “Being a creative is an extension of God’s character. I encourage the youth to adapt and remain relevant in a rapidly changing world.”

Andrew Mutisya, Director at Bawa Hope Ltd, highlighted the importance of creativity in product development. “Every time there’s a new product coming out, it’s creativity. We use digital space to market our products, and it’s crucial to use that energy to transform your creativity into opportunities for others,” he said.

FCA CI Project Assistant Peter Njoguna, emphasised the organisation’s role in creating job opportunities for youth by partnering with both local and international creative agencies. “We facilitate networking events and job placement opportunities for our graduates, ensuring they are connected with potential employers,” he said. FCA also hosts forums, workshops, and collaborative opportunities to strengthen the creative industry and promote inclusive growth and sustainable development.

***Amillia Awuor, a WICE participant and owner of Emidecor and Creation, showcases her work as she thanks FCA for mentoring her.***

Amillia Awuor, a participant who now owns Emidecor and Creation, thanked FCA mentoring her as she shared her journey of transforming waste into home décor and accessories. “Through our creative products, we aim to protect the environment and empower people. The entrepreneurship and digital marketing training I received from FCA has been instrumental in growing my business and improving my family’s livelihood,” she remarked.

Another participant of the program, who is now a graphic designer, shared, “The program has provided me with the space and tools required to hone my skills and potentially earn a living.”

With support from The Ministry for Foreign Affairs Finland and Women’s Bank, FCA Kenya’s Women in Creative Enterprise (WICE) project operates in Nairobi and Turkana counties. WICE aims to empower young women entrepreneurs by providing business mentorship, coaching, and incubation services. The project, which aims to reach 800 women by 2026, includes a rigorous vetting process in which 10% of businesses will be incubated for further development, including grant writing and stakeholder engagement.

Watch the video here to learn more : FCA Kenya marks International Youth Day

Text: Daisy Obare/FCA

FCA Allocates €50,000 for Emergency Response Following Intensified Ethnic Conflicts in Kalobeyei

***A refugee household from Burundi seeking shelter during the conflict between Anyuak and Nuer communities in Kalobeyei settlement.***

During World Refugee Day Celebrations on 20^th June 2024 at the Kalobeyei Sports Complex, an Anyuak (Ethiopian) boy alleged that a Nuer (South Sudan) boy had stolen his head scarf, resulting in a scuffle that left the Anyuak boy stabbed by the Nuer. The Nuer boy was beaten by the Anyuak boys, and both were taken to the Natukobenyo Health Centre for treatment. After the World Refugee Day celebrations, the Nuer tribe sought retaliation. Stone throwing occurred outside the Sports Complex between the two groups.

The conflict continued when a group of the Anyuak youth returning to the Kalobeyei Reception center were attacked by the Nuer youth who were initially involved in the conflict. The Nuer boys mobilized other youth in their communities in Kalobeyei Village 2 and attacked the Anyuak. From 21 to 22 June 2024, tensions between the two tribes escalated in Kakuma refugee camp and Kalobeyei settlement that has since resulted in loss of lives and massive displacement of households and loss of livelihoods for refugees in Kalobeyei.

An estimated 48,500 refugees reside in the hotspot areas including 47,000 persons in Kakuma 2, Zone 2, Kakuma 1, Zone 1, and Kakuma 4 and 1,500 persons in Kalobeyei, Village 2. Out of 48,500 refugees, 60 per cent (29,000 persons) belong to Nuer community whereas 2 per cent (>1,000 persons) belong to Anyuak. From an assessment conducted by UNHCR, Department of Refugee Services (DRS) and Peace Wind Japan (PWJ) on 6^th July 2024, 3,565 refugees including school going children have been affected and rendered homeless in Kalobeyei settlement.

In response to the crisis, Finn Church Aid (FCA) has allocated €50,000 to an emergency response program. This funding will provide immediate relief and support long-term recovery for the affected refugee communities. The allocation will ensure that school going children in the settlement have access to safe and supportive learning environments.

FCA will supply necessary learning materials and ensure that schools are secure, creating a conducive environment for education and development. The funds will also be used for multi-purpose cash transfers to teachers from FCA-supported schools and affected households. This financial support will assist families in recovering from lost livelihoods and property, allowing them to purchase essential items and services.

Additionally, FCA will distribute non-food items (NFIs), including hygiene kits and household goods, to improve the living conditions and overall well-being of the refugees. To address ethnic tensions and promote reconciliation within the refugee community, FCA will implement peace-building initiatives. These efforts will complement the work of other several actors and stakeholders such as UNHCR, Government of Kenya through Department of Refugee Services (DRS) and the Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) Turkana west.

Text: Richard Tsalwa , Alexon Mwasi and Daisy Obare/FCA