Introduction: Kenya has taken significant steps toward promoting economic inclusion for refugees. With the enactment of the new Refugee Act in February 2022, there are promising developments that can positively impact the lives of displaced individuals. In this article, we’ll explore what the new legislation means for refugees’ economic participation and discuss the challenges they still face. ________________________________________ 1. The New Refugee Act: A Paradigm Shift Kenya’s Refugee Act introduces critical changes related to economic inclusion, integration, and refugee status determination. Refugees now have the right to engage in gainful employment or enterprise, as well as practice their professions or trades if their qualifications are recognized by competent authorities in Kenya1. This provision opens doors to the labor market, allowing refugees to contribute to the national and local economy.
Read MoreDear family, friends, and colleagues, We gather here today with heavy hearts to bid farewell to a remarkable man, a visionary leader, and our beloved Chairman, Mr. Salongo Msoshi Lokole Simbi. His sudden passing has left us in shock and sorrow, and as we stand here, we reflect on the immense impact he had on our lives, our organization, and our community.
Read MoreIn the heart of Nairobi, where stories of resilience and hope intertwine, L'Afrikana stands as a beacon of change, illuminating the path to education for refugees. Our mission transcends traditional learning; we aim to empower, uplift, and transform lives through holistic educational initiatives.
Read MoreL'Afrikana Community-Based Organization began as a humble initiative in 2009, founded by a group of resilient refugees and committed local community members who believed that true transformation must come from within. What started as a small, grassroots movement under the banner of "Women and Youth Alive" quickly grew into a vital platform that has empowered thousands of individuals through education, skills development, advocacy, and social inclusion. Officially registered in 2015, L'Afrikana has since evolved into one of the most respected refugee-led organizations in Kenya, offering sustainable solutions to the livelihood challenges facing both refugee and host communities.
Read MoreAll children deserve a future. Sadly, for millions of refugee children globally, this future is getting harder to reach each day. Education is not only a basic human right, but it is also a powerful tool for creating change. Unfortunately, far too many young refugees do not have access to education. At L’Afrikana, we firmly believe that providing education to refugee and host children is essential and cannot be postponed. Their future depends on it, and we are committed to making sure it happens. It's about giving them hope and a fair chance in life. We recognize that education is crucial for empowering these children and helping them build better lives, despite the challenging circumstances they face. THE URGENCY OF NOW Right now, more than half of the world’s refugee children are not attending school. In some places, especially in Africa, the situation is even worse. Children in refugee camps and city settlements face huge challenges, such as being far from home, living in poverty, feeling unsafe, and dealing with traumatic experiences. These obstacles make getting an education very difficult. Delays in providing education mean children lose more than just learning; they lose hope, opportunities, and the ability to rebuild their lives. Whole generations might grow up without the knowledge and skills needed to escape poverty, help their communities, or stand up for their rights. Education for refugees is not just something nice to offer; it’s essential for peace, stability, and a prosperous future. EDUCATION IS PROTECTION Education offers more than just teaching reading, writing, and math. It protects refugee children from daily dangers. Schools are safe havens where children are less likely to be exploited, forced into child labor, married too early, or recruited by armed groups. When refugee children attend school, they are less likely to fall into cycles of violence and poverty. They gain both academic knowledge and crucial life skills like conflict resolution, emotional resilience, and civic responsibility. Education empowers them, giving them a voice in their own futures and in their communities.
Read MoreIn a world that is rapidly going digital, millions of young people are still left on the wrong side of the divide—especially those from refugee communities, informal settlements, and low-income families in Kenya. For many, the dream of ever touching a computer, let alone mastering it, seems distant. But at L’AFRIKANA, we are rewriting that story—one lesson, one young life at a time. Why Digital Skills Matter Now More Than Ever The global shift to digital platforms has transformed everything from learning and job hunting to entrepreneurship and civic participation. In Kenya, mobile money, online businesses, and digital education have become central to daily life. But while some young people are innovating in tech labs, thousands of others—especially refugee girls—lack even basic access to a computer. This gap is not just technological; it’s educational, economic, and gendered. Girls in under-resourced communities face multiple layers of exclusion: from societal expectations that limit their mobility to the lack of devices and internet access in their homes or schools. Digital skills are more than just tools for employment—they’re keys to self-expression, civic agency, and independence. Without them, our youth risk being left behind in a future they deserve to be part of.
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