Kenya’s Refugees Are Becoming The Country’s New Entrepreneurs

By Deborah Sivyatsomana Kavira

In Kenya today, many refugees are no longer just surviving on aid , they are building businesses, creating jobs, and contributing to the local economy. Instead of depending only on food rations and charity, thousands of refugees are showing that they can start businesses, earn income, and grow their communities.

Refugees come to Kenya from countries such as South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Somalia, and Burundi. Many live in settlements like Kakuma and Kalobeyei, where daily life can be difficult due to limited resources and few employment opportunities. Despite these challenges, refugees have started to turn basic needs into business opportunities.

Many refugees run small shops, tailoring services, food stalls, and recycling businesses. Some Congolese refugees have begun importing food products from the DRC and selling them in Kenya, meeting the demand for familiar tastes and flavors within their communities. This not only provides income for the entrepreneurs but also gives other refugees and locals access to food products that are hard to find elsewhere.

Refugees are also starting businesses that benefit the environment and communities. Some run recycling ventures that turn plastic waste into usable products, while others create affordable cooking fuel or other everyday necessities. These businesses provide jobs for both refugees and local Kenyans, showing that refugee led enterprises can positively impact the wider community.

Support from local and international organisations plays a key role in helping refugees succeed. Programs provide business training, skills development, mentorship, and access to small loans, allowing refugee entrepreneurs to grow their ideas into sustainable businesses. Learning about financial management, marketing, and product development helps them manage operations and expand.

Despite their success, refugees face challenges. Many struggle to register official businesses or open bank accounts because their refugee IDs are not always accepted for legal transactions. These barriers can limit their growth and access to formal markets.

By creating businesses ranging from food import and sales to tailoring, recycling, and fuel production, they are strengthening local economies and improving life for their communities.

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