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The Kakuma Kalobeyei Challenge Fund (KKCF) hosted a one-day Business-to-Business (B2B) Forum on Wednesday, drawing over 180 people—including more than 100 KKCF-supported businesses, financial institutions, private sector stakeholders, and representatives from county and national governments.

Held in Kakuma, the event featured panel discussions, product exhibitions, experience-sharing sessions, targeted networking opportunities, and sector-specific discussions across 15 business areas. It provided a dynamic platform for entrepreneurs from both refugee and host communities to connect, gain insights into financial and market opportunities, and explore new partnerships.

 

“This is more than a networking event —it is a platform for synergy,” said Brian Meme, KKCF Program Manager, during his welcome remarks. “A space to identify new partnerships, consolidate shared challenges, and craft collective solutions.”

Turkana County Government encouraged local businesses to embrace collaboration as a pathway to unlock new markets, attract investment, and strengthen enterprise development.

“This forum presents a valuable platform for MSMEs to connect, learn, and explore new partnerships,” said Turkana County Executive Committee Member for Trade, Gender, Youth Affairs, and Tourism, Ms. Roseline Aite. “It is also a clear demonstration of the County Government’s commitment to creating a thriving and inclusive business environment.”

As part of KKCF’s broader mission to unlock private sector potential in refugee-hosting areas, the forum also laid important groundwork for the formation of a future business association in Kakuma. KKCF remains committed to advancing inclusive, locally driven development in Turkana West.

Equity Bank Kenya, in partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), has launched a $20 million Risk Sharing Facility (RSF) to enhance financial inclusion within underserved regions in Kenya, including refugees and host communities. The program, unveiled today in Kakuma, Turkana County will be implemented in 14 marginalized counties across Kenya, among them Turkana and Garissa which host Kakuma and Dadaab refugee camps, with the goal of supporting refugees and their host communities towards social economic empowerment that ultimately lead to self-reliance.

This is the first global risk-sharing facility dedicated to financial inclusion for refugees and their host communities.

Commenting on behalf of Equity Group Managing Director and CEO Dr. James Mwangi, Equity Bank Kenya Managing Director, Moses Nyabanda said: “This partnership with IFC embodies Equity’s commitment to driving financial inclusion and economic empowerment across the African continent. The Risk Sharing Facility (RSF) program is a crucial component of our Africa Recovery and Resilience Plan (ARRP), as it directly addresses the financial needs of vulnerable populations and fosters entrepreneurship, ultimately creating jobs and building more resilient communities. By expanding access to credit and other financial services, we are investing in the future of refugees and host communities unlocking opportunities to transform their lives, give dignity and expand opportunities for wealth creation.”

Mary Porter Peschka, IFC’s Regional Director for Eastern Africa, expressed her confidence in the partnership, stating: “This groundbreaking initiative speaks directly to IFC’s mission to support private sector development and opportunity in challenging environments, including refugee-hosting areas. This facility is helping to unlock the entrepreneurial potential of refugees and their host communities, creating jobs, providing services, and driving development in the region.”

The RSF program will enhance Equity Bank’s unsecured microlending proposition, focusing on character and capacity to pay rather than collateral. The program will initially cover 14 counties with 28 branches, providing access to financial services for marginalized communities. Non-financial services, such as financial literacy training and agribusiness capacity building, will also be offered through a partnership with the Equity Group Foundation.

With a significant portion of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Kenya lacking access to vital financial services – studies show unmet demand for finance as high as 83% – this initiative has the potential to unlock substantial economic growth.

The program aligns with ARRP’s goal of creating 5 million businesses and 25 million jobs by 2030. Given that only 56% of Kenyan MSMEs are formally registered, and a further 73% of those registered reported being underserved in previous studies, the RSF program has significant potential to expand financial inclusion and drive economic development.

Turkana County Governor, H.E Hon. Jeremiah Lomorukai Napotikan, welcomed the initiative, stating, “The success of initiatives like the RSF reminds me that true impact is only possible through collaboration. No single entity can drive the level of change needed to transform livelihoods. It is through partnerships that we can develop sustainable solutions to the challenges we face. The RSF exemplifies this spirit of collaboration. By assuming 50% of the risk exposure, the IFC has reaffirmed its commitment to innovative financial solutions that prioritize the most vulnerable. This shared-risk approach empowers Equity Bank and other financial institutions to extend credit to businesses that might otherwise be excluded from the financial system.”

Kakuma, Kenya, December 7, 2023 — A group of 81 businesses, almost all led by local Kenyan entrepreneurs and refugees, were today named among the winners of a business competition managed by IFC and the Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund (AECF) to support development, job creation, and opportunity in Kenya’s Kakuma-Kalobeyei refugee-hosting area. 

The winning companies of the Kakuma Kalobeyei Challenge Fund (KKCF) Competitive Business Challenge will receive grants and technical support to launch or grow operations and drive sustainable development in Turkana County, which hosts more than 276,000 refugees and asylum seekers from across Africa. 

The winners include a refugee-owned internet service provider and WI-FI distribution company operating from Kakuma, a waste management company that collects, sorts, composts, and recycles waste materials, and a Turkana-owned medical clinic that provides healthcare to the refugee and host community in the area.

The business competition, which is now closed, is part of IFC’s strategy to support private sector development and opportunity among refugees and host communities in and around Kakuma, Kenya’s second largest refugee camp. 

“I am impressed by the range, variety, and ingenuity of the winning businesses announced today. With the right support, they will bring jobs, goods, and services to the Kakuma and Kalobeyei area, uplifting the lives of refugees and those in the host community,” said Jumoke Jagun-Dokunmu, IFC’s Chief Investment Officer & Head of Fragility for Africa.

“Congratulations to these businesses,” said Victoria Sabula, AECF’s CEO. “At the AECF, we are committed to supporting enterprises whose innovative business models demonstrate immediate and long-term positive impacts for their communities through job creation, improved incomes, and access to services. We look forward to supporting these companies to grow and thrive.” 

The final set of KKCF Challenge winners announced today join 41 previous winners supported by the KKCF competition, which was launched in 2019 to showcase the benefits of private sector development among refugee and host communities. Of the 122 businesses KKCF is supporting, 102 are led by refugees or members of the host community in Kakuma, underscoring the competition’s commitment to local small businesses and entrepreneurs.

KKCF-supported businesses have already created more than 300 jobs, including 199 held by women and 82 by refugees. These businesses have provided vital services to over 70,000 refugees and members of the host community, including renewable energy, education, and healthcare services. Over $1.5 million in microloans has also been disbursed from microlenders supported by KKCF to more than 1,800 people, including women and refugees.

More information about the companies can be found at  https://kkcfke.org/competition-winners/.   
 

About KKCF:

KKCF is a five-year program designed to support private sector investment and unlock the economic potential of refugees and their hosts in the Kakuma-Kalobeyei refugee-hosting area in northern Kenya. KKCF aims to attract private companies to the area and support local entrepreneurs to create jobs and improve service provision in the Kakuma area. The program targets all private sector players, from small companies and medium-sized family businesses to social enterprises and large firms. KKCF is supported by five development agencies: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development through KfW, and the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), and the European Union. For more information, visit www.kkcfke.org.

About IFC

IFC — a member of the World Bank Group — is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. We work in more than 100 countries, using our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities in developing countries. In fiscal year 2023, IFC committed a record $43.7 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity as economies grapple with the impacts of global compounding crises. For more information, visit www.ifc.org

Stay Connected with IFC on social media

 

About AECF:

The Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund (AECF) is a non-profit institution that supports early and growth-stage businesses in the agribusiness and renewable energy sectors to reduce poverty, promote resilient communities and create jobs through private sector investment. AECF invests in businesses that strive to find innovative solutions to tackle development challenges across Sub-Saharan Africa. Our aim is to transform lives, one business at a time by funding early and growth-stage businesses that improve the lives of rural communities and display potential for credible commercial viability and growth. For more information, visit www.aecfafrica.org.

 

For IFC

Devon Maylie

Phone: +254 11 282 5197

E-mail: dmaylie@ifc.org

 

For AECF

Jeannette Akinyi           

Tel: +254 11 059 9769  

E-mail: press@aecfafrica.org

 

The Turkana County Government has today launched the Turkana Investment Promotion Portal, a digital platform that provides investors with easy and convenient access to information on investment opportunities in Turkana County, Kenya’s second largest county.

The portal, a key milestone for the county, will serve as the initial access point for interested investors to manage investor relations and discover opportunities for investment that are integrated into the local business community. Investors will also be able to raise queries using the portal to get feedback throughout the investment cycle.

The investment portal was supported by IFC, which provided technical assistance to the Turkana County Government, including guidance on developing the legal and policy framework together with the selection of software technology that is enabling the one-stop digital platform to scale the County Government’s work in attracting, facilitating, and retaining both domestic as well as foreign direct investment.

An opening ceremony held today to officially launch the portal was presided over by H.E. Hon. Jeremiah Ekamais Lomorukai Napotikan, the Governor of Turkana County, top county officials, members of the Turkana Business Community, and representatives from IFC.

“Turkana is open for business, and we welcome all investors to explore the investment opportunities in our county,” says Hon. Lomorukai. “We are committed to creating a business-friendly environment that will enable investors to thrive. We believe that the Turkana Investment Promotion Portal will play a significant role in achieving this objective.

“The portal is a significant breakthrough to facilitate investment in the county. Congratulations to the Turkana County Government on today’s launch,” says Amena Arif, IFC Country Manager for Kenya. “IFC is committed to supporting the development goals of the Governor and the county to attract new investment that will bring employment and opportunities to the people of Turkana.”

IFC’s support for the new online portal was provided through a collaboration of two programs — the Kenya Investment Climate Project Phase 3 and the Kakuma Kalobeyei Challenge Fund — which are supporting the Turkana County Government to improve the investment climate so that the private sector can increase its contribution to growth and development in the region.

The Turkana Investment Promotion Portal can be accessed on: https://invest.turkana.go.ke.

Nairobi, Kenya, May 11, 2022 – Businesses led by local Kenyan entrepreneurs and refugees were today named among the first 40 winners of a business competition managed by IFC and AECF to support development, job creation, and opportunity in Kenya’s Kakuma-Kalobeyei refugee-hosting area.

The winning companies of the Kakuma Kalobeyei Challenge Fund (KKCF) Competitive Business Challenge will receive grants and technical support to launch or grow operations and drive economic development in Turkana West subcounty, which has a population of about 450,000, including 225,000 refugees from various parts of Africa. Runners-up to the competition will also benefit from tailored technical support to build the capacity of their businesses.

The business competition is part of IFC’s approach to empower host communities and refugees by supporting private sector development in Kenya’s Kakuma camp and the surrounding host community.

The 40 winning businesses announced today are expected to create hundreds of jobs, including for women and young people, and to invest their own funds to establish and expand their operations in Kenya’s Turkana County.

These companies include some working in health, energy, agribusiness, financial services, education, media, construction, and light manufacturing.

The winners of the Local Enterprise Development (LED) window, which focuses on smaller businesses based in Turkana County, are: Abdulle Shop; Artech East Africa Ltd.; Atta Nayece Media Services Ltd.; Blue Light of Prince Academy; Clearface Printers; Dan Fabricators; Dembu Investments; Eruko Savings and Credit Cooperative Society Ltd.; GLAP Enterprises; Itopride Chemist; Justin Abraham; Kakuma Medical Clinic; Kakuma Peana Bookshop; Kalobeyei Main Medical Centre; Nawountos Building and Construction Enterprises Ltd.; Neema Hotel; Nemlon Enterprise; Unity Bakery;  Rama Beauty Parlour; Sajop Automobile Enterprises; Shujaa Customs Prints; Steve King Bakers; Gateway Diagnosis and Healthcare Services; Tulu Tulu Traders; Usafi Green Energy Ltd.; Lorot Sons and Traders General Shop; Mount Sayun’s Farm Inputs and Supplies Agrovet.

The winners of the Private Sector (PSW) window, which focuses on private sector companies that are based in Turkana County or would like to expand operations to Turkana County, are: Renewvia Energy Kenya Ltd.; Rafode Ltd.; Sunken Ltd.; The Hive Ltd.; Green Innovation Ventures Enterprises Ltd.; and Ziwani Poultry Enterprise Ltd.

The winners of the Social Enterprise (SEW) window, which targets social enterprises currently present in Kakuma and those wanting to set up businesses in Kakuma and Kalobeyei areas, are: AEC Kenya; Hydroponics Africa Ltd.; K-DE Igratium International Ltd.; Kidogo Innovations Ltd.; Sanivation Ltd.; Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Centre; and Wessex Social Ventures.

 

More information about the companies can be found at https://kkcfke.org/competition-winners/

The next round of winners will be announced in the second half of 2022.

“Congratulations to these companies, which have a strong potential to not just uplift the lives of refugees and host communities in the Kakuma and Kalobeyei area, but also positively impact those living in the greater Turkana County,” said Jumoke Jagun-Dokunmu, IFC Regional Director for Eastern Africa. “IFC is committed to supporting development in challenging environments, and through this competition, we show our support in highlighting sustainable private sector solutions to help marginalized and vulnerable groups.”

“We have undergone a rigorous and transparent process to select these companies whose innovative business models demonstrate immediate and long-term positive impact in the form of job creation, improved incomes, provision of new services and better access to products,” said Victoria Sabula, AECF CEO. “The AECF is dedicated to supporting businesses in places that are seen as riskier for commercial investors. We look forward to supporting these companies in scaling up their operations for the betterment of refugee and host communities in the Kakuma-Kalobeyei area.”

Besides supporting economic development in and around Kakuma through this competition, IFC is also working with government partners in Turkana County and UNHCR to create a more conducive policy environment for private sector growth in Turkana.

About KKCF

KKCF is a five-year program designed to support private sector investment and unlock the economic potential of refugees and their hosts in the Kakuma-Kalobeyei refugee-hosting area in northern Kenya. KKCF aims to attract private companies to the area and support local entrepreneurs to create jobs and improve service provision in the Kakuma area. The program targets all private sector players, from small companies and medium-sized family businesses to social enterprises and large firms.

KKCF is supported by five development agencies: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development through KfW, and the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), and the European Union. For more information, visit www.kkcfke.org

About AECF

The Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund (AECF) is a non-profit institution that supports early and growth stage businesses in the agribusiness and renewable energy sectors to reduce poverty, promote resilient communities and create jobs through private sector investment. AECF invests in businesses that strive to find innovative solutions to tackle development challenges across Sub-Saharan Africa. Our aim is to transform lives, one business at a time by funding early and growth stage businesses that improve the lives of rural communities and display potential for credible commercial viability and growth. For more information, visit www.aecfafrica.org

Stay Connected

www.facebook.com/aecfafrica

www.twitter.com/aecfafrica

www.linkedin.com/theaecf

www.youtube.com/aecfafrica 

 

About IFC

IFC—a member of the World Bank Group—is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. We work in more than 100 countries, using our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities in developing countries. In fiscal year 2021, IFC committed a record $31.5 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity as economies grapple with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.

Stay Connected

www.facebook.com/IFCwbg

www.twitter.com/IFC_org

www.youtube.com/IFCvideocasts

www.ifc.org/SocialMediaIndex

 

For AECF

Robert Magori

Tel: +254721525344

E-mail: press@aecfafrica.org

 

For IFC

Paula Rogo

Tel: +254729875653

E-mail: progo@ifc.org

Nairobi, Kenya, December 8, 2021 – IFC and the AECF today launched the second round of a global competition for private sector and social enterprise projects to support investment, development, and job creation in Kenya’s Kakuma refugee camp and hosting area.

The competition, which runs from December 8, 2021 to January 31, 2022, is open to private sector businesses or social enterprises operating in any sector. Winners will be chosen based on their bids’ potential to raise incomes, provide goods and services, create jobs, and improve living standards in both the Kakuma refugee camp and the adjacent host community, home to over 240,000 people, including 220,000 refugees.

Winning entrants will be awarded technical support and performance-based grants of between $100,000 and $750,000.

A webinar will be held on December 15, 2021 at 2:00pm EAT to provide applicants more information and to answer any questions regarding the competition. For more information on the webinar and complete competition rules and guidelines, please visit www.kkcfke.org.

The competition is part of the Kakuma Kalobeyei Challenge Fund (KKCF), a joint initiative of IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, and the AECF, an Africa-based development organization. KKCF aims to increase economic integration and self-reliance among displaced populations and their host communities.

“We have already seen innovative companies coming onboard and we look forward to seeing even more innovations that can transform lives and livelihoods of refugees and the host community in Turkana County,” said AECF’s CEO Victoria Sabula. “Through this new competition, we hope to attract more businesses, especially those involved in underrepresented sectors like small manufacturing, aquaculture, retail services, and construction.

“IFC is committed to uplifting the lives of refugees and those living in host communities by championing private sector solutions,” said Jumoke Jagun-Dokunmu, IFC Regional Director for Eastern Africa. “Through this competition, IFC aims to nurture the business opportunities in the Kakuma Kalobeyei refugee area, support job creation, and help businesses deliver quality goods and services to refugees and Kenyan citizens in the region.”

The competition is being implemented with support from Kenya’s Turkana County Government and the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR). It follows a first round in December 2020 that awarded over $5 million in grant funding to 13 social and private sector applicants in sectors including renewable energy, financial services, healthcare, and childcare. The KKCF initiative is a $25 million, five-year project designed to support private sector investment and unlock the economic potential of refugees and those living in the surrounding host communities in Kenya’s Turkana County.

The KKCF is supported by five development agencies: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development through KfW, the UK’s Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office, and the European Union.

Ends

About KKCF

KKCF is a five-year program designed to support private sector investment and unlock the economic potential of refugees and their hosts in the Kakuma-Kalobeyei refugee-hosting area in northern Kenya. KKCF aims to attract private companies to the area and support local entrepreneurs to create jobs and improve service provision in the Kakuma area. The program targets all private sector players, from small companies and medium-sized family businesses to social enterprises and large firms. For more information, visit www.kkcfke.org

About AECF

AECF is a non-profit institution that supports early and growth stage businesses in the agribusiness and renewable energy sectors to reduce poverty, promote resilient communities and create jobs through private sector investment. AECF invests in businesses that strive to find innovative solutions to tackle development challenges across Sub-Saharan Africa. Our aim is to transform lives, one business at a time by funding early and growth stage businesses that improve the lives of rural communities and display potential for credible commercial viability and growth. For more information, visit www.aecfafrica.org

Stay Connected

www.facebook.com/aecfafrica

www.twitter.com/aecfafrica

www.linkedin.com/theaecf

www.youtube.com/aecfafrica

About IFC

IFC—a member of the World Bank Group—is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. We work in more than 100 countries, using our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities in developing countries. In fiscal year 2021, IFC committed a record $31.5 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity as economies grapple with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.

Stay Connected

www.facebook.com/IFCwbg

www.twitter.com/IFC_org

www.youtube.com/IFCvideocasts

www.ifc.org/SocialMediaIndex

For AECF

Robert Magori

Tel: +254721525344

E-mail: press@aecfafrica.org

 

For IFC

Devon Maylie

Tel: +254112825197

E-mail: dmaylie@ifc.org

 

Kakuma, Kenya, 14^th September 2021 – IFC and the Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund (AECF) today launched a competition to allow established local businesses operating in Kenya’s Turkana County to demonstrate  how their businesses can have sustainable development impact by creating opportunities and jobs in the Kakuma refugee hosting area.

Established businesses in any sector already operating in Turkana are invited to apply for the Local Enterprise Development competition by submitting a business proposal and the amount of funding needed to bring the proposal to fruition. More details about the competition and how to enter can be found at https://kkcfke.org/kkcf-local-enterprise-development-window.

The competition, which runs from September 14 to November 5, 2021 is being conducted by the Kakuma Kalobeyei Challenge Fund (KKCF), a joint initiative of IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, and AECF. The competition is supported by the Turkana County Government and UNHCR. Winners of the Local Enterprise Development competition will receive funding and advisory support and are expected to be announced in early 2022.

Turkana West is home to approximately 454,000 people, which includes roughly 200,000 refugees from various parts of Africa. Through this competition and other activities, IFC, AECF, the Turkana County government, and UNHCR are supporting private sector development and job creation in the region, and helping to empower and improve the lives of the host community and refugees.

“I am happy to see this joint initiative come to life and provide opportunities for the businesses of Turkana County,” said Turkana County Governor, H.E. Hon. Josphat Nanok. “My government is keen to strengthen service delivery as well as create a favourable environment to conduct business. This competition affirms our continued commitment to exploring new opportunities and deploying innovative solutions to better address the financing needs of businesses and accelerate economic growth in Turkana.”

“This competition demonstrates IFC’s commitment to local businesses in Kenya and our strategy to help uplift host communities and refugees with private sector solutions,” said Jumoke Jagun-Dokunmu, IFC’s Regional Director for Eastern Africa. “IFC has identified untapped economic potential in the Kakuma refugee hosting area and the wider Turkana County region. We believe this potential can be realized with increased funding and solid advisory support.”

“The Local Enterprise Development Window exclusively targets local small and medium enterprises owned and operated by the residents of Turkana County, including the host community and refugees,” said AECF’s CEO, Victoria Sabula. “The Window has a special focus on expanding the horizon of opportunities for women and creating opportunities for young people. We envisage that businesses supported by KKCF will generate employment, improve services, and increase consumer choices for the people of Turkana County.”

The KKCF Local Enterprise Development Window is targeting established, local small and medium-sized enterprises operating in Kakuma and Kalobeyei areas, and businesses operating in other parts of Turkana County and looking to expand to Kakuma and Kalobeyei. Winners will receive performance-based grants from between Kes. 1.5 million and Kes. 5 million, and advisory support focused on business development, financial management, marketing, and publicity. Eligible companies must show that their business proposals are sustainable and assure development impact.

This is the third competition launched under KKCF by IFC and AECF to support private sector development in and around Kakuma and Kalobeyei. Previous competitions (the Private Sector Window and the Social Enterprise Window), launched in late 2020, sought private businesses and social enterprises from anywhere in the world to establish or grow operations in the Kakuma and kalobeyei. The first batch of winners of those competitions was announced earlier in September.

KKCF is supported by five development agencies: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development through KfW, the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, and the European Union.

Ends

About KKCF

KKCF is a five-year program designed to support private sector investment and unlock the economic potential of refugees and their hosts in the Kakuma-Kalobeyei refugee-hosting area in northern Kenya. KKCF aims to attract private companies to the area and support local entrepreneurs to create jobs and improve service provision in the Kakuma area. The program targets all private sector players, from small companies and medium-sized family businesses to social enterprises and large firms. For more information, visit www.kkcfke.org

 About AECF

The Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund (AECF) is a non-profit institution that supports early and growth stage businesses in the agribusiness and renewable energy sectors to reduce poverty, promote resilient communities and create jobs through private sector investment. AECF invests in businesses that strive to find innovative solutions to tackle development challenges across Sub-Saharan Africa. Our aim is to transform lives, one business at a time by funding early and growth stage businesses that improve the lives of rural communities and display potential for credible commercial viability and growth. For more information, visit www.aecfafrica.org

Stay Connected

www.facebook.com/aecfafrica

www.twitter.com/aecfafrica

www.linkedin.com/theaecf

www.youtube.com/aecfafrica

 About IFC

IFC—a member of the World Bank Group—is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. We work in more than 100 countries, using our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities in developing countries. In fiscal year 2021, IFC committed a record $31.5 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity as economies grapple with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.

Stay Connected

www.facebook.com/IFCwbg

www.twitter.com/IFC_org

www.youtube.com/IFCvideocasts

www.ifc.org/SocialMediaIndex

For AECF

Robert Magori

Tel: +254721525344

E-mail: press@aecfafrica.org

 

For IFC

Everlyne Nanjala Situma

Tel: +254 701 961 045

E-mail: esituma@ifc.org

Nairobi, Kenya, September 6, 2021 – Businesses engaged in healthcare, renewable energy, and beekeeping were today named among the first batch of winners of a competition by IFC, the Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund (AECF), the Turkana County Government, and UNHCR to fund businesses to support development and job creation in Kenya’s Kakuma refugee hosting area.

The competition, implemented through the IFC/AECF Kakuma Kalobeyei Challenge Fund (KKCF), named four winners in its Private Sector Window (PSW) competition and two winners in its Social Enterprise Window competition (SEW).

The PSW winners are:

• The Hive Limited, a supplier of modern beekeeping equipment
• Ziwani Poultry Enterprises, a supplier of quality chicks and ducklings
• Renewvia Energy Kenya, a global solar power system developer
• Sunken Limited, which provides green energy solutions

The SEW winners are:

• K De Igratium International, which provides personal healthcare services
• AEC Kenya, which provides financial services

Additional winners in both categories will be announced later in September.

“The successful companies demonstrated that they have the potential to uplift the lives of host communities and refugees in the Kakuma and Kalobeyei areas as well as the greater Turkana County,” said AECF’s CEO, Victoria Sabula. “They also demonstrated the ability to deliver and sustain social impact, particularly for women and youth. This coupled with their commercial viability and sustainability made them suitable winners for the KKCF competitions.”

“The challenge winners identified real market and development opportunities in Kakuma that build on the important research and enabling work carried out by IFC and AECF in the region,” said Jumoke Jagun-Dokunmu, IFC Regional Director for Eastern Africa. “The winners’ innovative business models should have immediate and long-term positive impacts on people living in the Kakuma refugee hosting area. Congratulations to all the winning businesses.”

The KKCF will help all winners implement commercially viable and sustainable businesses that have the potential to raise incomes, provide goods and services, create jobs, and improve living standards for refugees and the host community in Turkana County. The Kakuma Refugee Hosting Area is home to 300,000 people, including 200,000 refugees and asylum seekers.

Funding will be coupled with technical assistance that will equip the winning businesses with additional skills and knowledge to help them strengthen their operations.

The competition was designed to help realize the immense potential of the Kakuma refugee hosting area and bring opportunity and jobs to its residents, many of whom have proven to be successful entrepreneurs despite facing numerous challenges.

The PSW targets private sector companies already present in Kakuma and Kalobeyei and interested in expanding operations; it also supports those looking to launch operations in the region. The SEW seeks to promote business models that increase access to water and sanitation, engage in recycling, or provide childcare services for low-income families.

Later this month, IFC and AECF will launch the Local Enterprise Development window, the third in the series of Kakuma Kalobeyei Challenge Fund competitions, focused on supporting local, established businesses and social enterprises based in Kenya’s Turkana County. 

About KKCF

KKCF is a five-year program designed to support private sector investment and unlock the economic potential of refugees and their hosts in the Kakuma-Kalobeyei refugee-hosting area in northern Kenya. KKCF aims to attract private companies to the area and support local entrepreneurs to create jobs and improve service provision in the Kakuma area. The program targets all private sector players, from small companies and medium-sized family businesses to social enterprises and large firms.

KKCF is supported by five development agencies: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development through KfW, and the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), and the European Union. For more information, visit www.kkcfke.org

About AECF

The Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund (AECF) is a non-profit institution that supports early and growth stage businesses in the agribusiness and renewable energy sectors to reduce poverty, promote resilient communities and create jobs through private sector investment. AECF invests in businesses that strive to find innovative solutions to tackle development challenges across Sub-Saharan Africa. Our aim is to transform lives, one business at a time by funding early and growth stage businesses that improve the lives of rural communities and display potential for credible commercial viability and growth. For more information, visit www.aecfafrica.org

Stay Connected

www.facebook.com/aecfafrica

www.twitter.com/aecfafrica

www.linkedin.com/theaecf

www.youtube.com/aecfafrica

 

 About IFC

IFC—a member of the World Bank Group—is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. We work in more than 100 countries, using our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities in developing countries. In fiscal year 2021, IFC committed a record $31.5 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity as economies grapple with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.

www.ifc.org

Stay Connected

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The Social Enterprises Window (SEW) is one of three components of the Kakuma Kalobeyei Challenge Fund (KKCF), an initiative which aims to support the private sector to unlock the economic potential of refugees and their hosts in Kenya’s Turkana County.

The Social Enterprise Window competition seeks to promote business models which increase access to water and sanitation, engage in recycling, or provide childcare services
for low-income families. The competition was launched on November 10, 2020 at a webinar that attracted over 200 participants. Social enterprises operating in the region were encouraged to apply for performance-based grants ranging between US$100,000 to US$750,000.

All proposed projects had to be commercially viable and sustainable and have the potential to raise incomes, provide goods and services, create jobs, and improve living standards for families living in these areas – both refugee and host communities.

The competition closed on December 22, 2020 and attracted 39 applications. From these, the AECF programme team then compiled a shortlist of 16 semi-finalists.

Over 30 percent of the semi-finalists are Kenya based and already operate in the Kakuma and Kalobeyei areas. More than 70% of the shortlisted companies are women and youth
owned. The average funding request among the shortlisted companies is US$485,000.

The shortlisted applicants will proceed to the due diligence stage, during which the programme team will conduct physical visits to the businesses to ascertain their capabilities. Ten finalists will be selected in the coming months.