Rebecca*

In 2011, Rebecca, a refugee from Ethiopia, fled her home due to insecurity and violence. Rebecca initially sought safety at the Dadaab refugee camp in Kenya and later moved to Nairobi in search of a better life. By the time she arrived in Kenya, she was not alone: Rebecca’s sister had passed away, leaving behind two daughters, who Rebecca decided to raise as her own.

“When I got to Kenya, life was hard, especially in a new place. I did not have enough to eat,” Rebecca shared when we visited her home. “I started a business, selling injera (an Ethiopian flatbread) and coffee and also sold some beaded wares and fabrics.” While Rebecca’s income allowed her to afford some basic needs, she was not earning enough profit to sustain her family. “It took a lot of work to maintain my business,” Rebecca said. “I would struggle to make ends meet with that small business.”

In November 2022, Rebecca began receiving rent assistance, food support, and counseling services through RefugePoint. After reaching a point of stability, Rebecca completed RefugePoint’s business development training, where she learned the skills needed to run and maintain a profitable business. After the training, Rebecca received a grant of $500 to boost her small business and expand her stock.

Not long after receiving the grant, the demand for Rebecca’s products grew. She also found a way to export her crafts and fabrics to Australia, with the aim of increasing her profit margins. “One of the clients I export my products to used to live here,” Rebecca shared. “I sent the items to her, and she sent me $400, which was a lot. I used it to buy new deras (a large dress that comes in one size), which I went to sell in Kakuma. I used the rest for [house] rent,” Rebecca shared.

Since the expansion of her business, Rebecca has been able to support her family. “Life is good. I used to eat one meal daily, but now we can eat two meals,” Rebecca shared. “I can even take my children to school and pay rent.”