In 2019, escalating conflict forced John to flee his home in the Democratic Republic of Congo in search of peace and safety.
“Life was good, and we lived with other people in harmony, but the war increased,” John shared with us when we visited his shop.
Today, John is a proud young entrepreneur in Nairobi who owns a business selling phone accessories. He started his venture when he arrived in Kenya with just Ksh 5,000 (approximately $39), which he used to purchase his first stock of mobile phone covers and screen protectors. His dream was to establish a shop and serve customers more conveniently. Despite his hard work, his profits barely sustained his family’s basic needs, leading his sisters to seek work to support the family.
When John connected with RefugePoint in 2019, he received food support, counseling, and medical assistance. John also completed RefugePoint’s Business Development Skills training and received a business grant, which he used to expand his business. John rented a small shop in Kasarani and stocked up on trendy mobile covers and screen protectors.
“This work has changed my life,” John shared. “Now I can pay my shop rent, [and] medical bills if I get sick, and buy clothes and cover other expenses. I can even pay my house rent. ”
John firmly believes in the power of setting goals and attributes his success to this practice.
“When you set goals, you have to plan the level you want to achieve them,” John said. “If you have capital and want to start a business, you need to plan well; You have to look at the market first to know what the clients need.”
In mid-2024, John and 36 other RefugePoint clients received business grants to start, expand, or diversify their businesses after they completed RefugePoint’s Business Development Skills training. John hopes that through hard work, he will be able to open another business in Nairobi.