From Aid to Agency: How Refugee-Led Organizations Are Redefining Humanitarian Response in Kenya

As the world marked World Refugee Day 2025, a powerful message emerged from Nairobi’s refugee communities: being a refugee is not a limitation; but a launching pad for leadership, innovation, and resilience.

In a special live broadcast hosted by Bortopra TV, East Africa’s premier platform for refugee dialogue, a diverse panel of refugee leaders, activists, and humanitarian partners came together to reflect on the evolving role of Refugee-Led Organizations (RLOs) in transforming the humanitarian landscape.

This story, reported by AfroVera.com, draws on that conversation; highlighting how RLOs are taking charge of their own futures, redefining humanitarian support, and driving local solutions that reach far beyond traditional aid.

 Leadership from Within: Women at the Helm

One of the most compelling voices during the discussion was Sandra Ndayishimiye, Director of Women for Peace and Development (WOPED), a grassroots organization founded in 1999 by refugee women in Kenya. What began as a modest exchange of survival skills among displaced mothers has since grown into a vocational powerhouse offering training in tailoring, catering, beadwork, and hairdressing.

“Instead of waiting for handouts, we empower women to generate their own income,” Sandra said. “Refugee is a status; not a profile. You can choose to grow, to lead, to build.”

WAPED’s model of peer-to-peer training has uplifted hundreds of women who once saw no future beyond survival. Now, many of them are thriving entrepreneurs and community mentors.

Building Capacity, Shaping Policy

Supporting this grassroots momentum is RefugePoint, an organization that has become a lifeline for dozens of RLOs across Kenya. Represented in the broadcast by Eunice Sayan, RefugePoint offers a three-tier support model: flexible funding, capacity building, and strategic coordination.

“RLOs are not just beneficiaries; they are partners,” Eunice explained. “Our role is to equip them to lead from the front, influence policy, and implement community-based solutions with lasting impact.”

She stressed that sustainable funding must go beyond project-based grants. “We must support RLOs with operational costs, administrative tools, and systems that foster self-reliance.”

Challenging Gender Barriers in Refugee Leadership

The panel did not shy away from the challenges that persist; especially for women leaders. Magdalene Gatare, administrator at Umoja Refugee Creative (URC), explained that many refugee women face cultural constraints that limit their participation in decision-making spaces.

«Women must fight harder to earn trust in their communities, » she said. «But once they do, their impact is immeasurable. »

URC has become a vibrant hub for youth and women alike, offering training in film, fashion, and digital skills; positioning itself as both a creative space and a leadership incubator.

Refugee Voices Demand Inclusion in Policy and Practice

The conversation also touched on policy frameworks in Kenya and beyond. Speakers acknowledged progress by Nairobi County and national actors like UNHCR and DRS, particularly in recognizing refugee IDs and supporting grassroots initiatives. However, gaps remain.

«There’s a lack of awareness at the community level,” noted one panelist. “Policy announcements must be followed by real engagement; door-to-door sensitization and inclusion in planning. »

The call was clear: RLOs must be involved at every stage; from program design to implementation to evaluation.

Resilience without Resources? Innovating Amid Shrinking Aid

Amid global funding cuts, RLOs are innovating to stay afloat. Many, like WOPED and URC, have developed income-generating arms; from renting out event décor to offering professional services.

«We can’t wait for donors every month,” said Sandra. “The office rent won’t wait, so we think creatively and build sustainability from within. »

This entrepreneurial shift is redefining what humanitarian response looks like; transforming RLOs from beneficiaries to builders of social enterprise.

Final Word: “Refugee is Just a Status”

As the discussion came to a close, co-host Eric Museveni Rugangwa offered a striking metaphor: «Refugee is just a status; like a WhatsApp update. It expires. Your profile, who you truly are, is what you choose to make permanent.»

It was a powerful reminder that displaced communities are not waiting to be saved. They are rising; organizing, creating, and leading.

On this World Refugee Day, one truth stands above all: the future of humanitarian work lies in the hands of refugees themselves. And the world would do well to listen.

Reported by AfroVera.com

Dedicated to amplifying the voices of East Africa’s refugee communities and grassroots leaders.

This article was based on content from Bortopra TV’s live broadcast on World Refugee Day 2025.

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