IRC UK trustees chair visits Re:BUiLD

March 3, 2025, Nairobi Kenya. Dr. Lola Banjoko (right foreground), IRC UK Trustee Chair, interacts with Eric Ndikumana at his phone repair shop in Carlifornia Estate, Nairobi. (PHOTO: Edgar Otieno for The IRC) 

On March 3 and 4, 2025, the IRC’s Re:BUiLD program in Nairobi hosted Dr. Lola Banjoko, IRC UK Trustee Chair, accompanied by Mohamed El Montassir Hussein, the Country Director for Kenya, and other Senior Management Team members. The visit aimed to experience the program’s activities, impact, engage with clients, and explore fundraising opportunities.

Dr Banjoko’s visit began at the Pangani Livelihood Resource Centre (LRC), where she met the Nairobi team, received program updates, and reviewed planned activities. She then visited the Rangers Family, an Urban Savings and Loans Association (USLA) group in Kayole, comprising of 22 members—mostly refugee women — who have benefited from IRC’s financial inclusion initiatives in partnership with Equity Bank. The program has positively impacted the establishment of  micro enterprises that have enhanced their monthly incomes . This has improved  their ability to access healthcare, education for their children, shelter, and food security. Notably, the members have created employment for over 94 people through their various enterprises.

Among them was Immaculee Nzingire, a salon owner, who shared her journey:

“When I joined the group, I was unsure of myself and my future as a refugee. But being part of this community, saving, and accessing loans from Equity Bank changed everything. My first loan was KES 20,000, and after successfully repaying, I accessed KES 60,000. This helped grow my salon, and I’m almost done repaying it without struggling.”

Dr Banjoko praised the program’s role in job creation and collaboration with financial institutions:

March 4, 2025, Nairobi Kenya. Dr. Lola Banjoko (far right), IRC UK Trustee Chair, at Ubuntu Youth Organization offices in Nairobi. (PHOTO: Edgar Otieno for The IRC) 

“The private sector needs to recognize this—Re:BUiLD isn’t just supporting businesses; it’s building a customer base. These are consumers, not just refugees. The next step for Re:BUiLD is to showcase these success stories. This program is paving the way forward.”

She also interacted with three individual microenterprise clients who received business grants and mentorship. Among them was Eric Ndikumana, a Burundian refugee who runs a motorcycle transport business and a mobile phone repair shop. Through disciplined saving, Eric was able to purchase his own motorcycle, securing an additional income stream.

Dr Banjoko, on March 4, visited Pamoja Trust, Re:BUiLD’s implementing partner to see the efforts being put in imporving community engagement and strengthening refugee and host networks. The discussions focused on promoting refugee rights, market access, and civic participation. The visit concluded at Ubuntu Youth Organization and the Kibra Refugee and Host Network, where she commended the growing unity and advocacy for refugee inclusion.

She emphasized the importance of working together, stating, “Fostering inclusivity and a shared sense of belonging strengthens both communities.”

Her visit reinforced Re:BUiLD’s impact in empowering refugees through financial inclusion, enterprise development, and advocacy, ensuring a path toward self-reliance and integration.