DanChurchAid (DCA) Kenya continues to drive transformative economic and environmental change in Turkana County through its livelihoods and economic development initiatives. Operating in Kakuma Refugee Camp, Kalobeyei Settlement, and the surrounding host communities, DCA supports refugees and host populations to build resilience, improve self-reliance, and expand economic opportunities.
Through partnerships with the private sector, DCA implements interventions focused on financial inclusion, enterprise development, and entrepreneurial skills. These efforts are designed to empower rights holders to start, operate, and grow successful businesses that contribute to sustainable livelihoods across the region.
Promoting Climate-Smart Enterprises
Under the Danida funded Pathways to Prosperity (P2P) Project, DCA is advancing green innovation by supporting enterprises that embrace environmentally conscious and climate-smart business models. The project aims to foster sustainable economic growth by enabling businesses to adopt renewable energy solutions, waste recycling, ethical sourcing, and sustainable production practices.
By promoting resource efficiency and climate-smart innovations, the initiative contributes directly to climate change mitigation and adaptation. It also stimulates decent and inclusive job creation within refugee and host communities—helping build an economy that is both sustainable and socially impactful.
Stakeholder Engagement and Green Business Assessment
In May 2025, DCA convened a multi-stakeholder engagement meeting in Kakuma, bringing together key actors in the green business ecosystem. Participants included NGOs, refugee-led organizations, county departments (environment, agriculture, trade, and market development), business community representatives, CSOs, and the Turkana County Chamber of Commerce (TCC). The objective of the meeting was to develop a common assessment tool that could be used to evaluate green businesses in the region.
Following this engagement, DCA conducted a comprehensive assessment within Kakuma Municipality, reaching 457 respondents. The findings highlighted growing awareness and adoption of sustainable practices among local businesses, while also revealing critical gaps in capacity, financing, and market integration.
The insights from the Green Business Report will guide future programme design, innovation grant allocation, and long-term strategies aimed at scaling climate-smart livelihoods and promoting green growth in both refugee and host communities.
Innovative Micro-Grants to Strengthen Green Enterprises
As part of its broader entrepreneurship and innovation strategy, the P2P Project provides micro-grants to selected enterprises with strong social and environmental impact. These innovative grants aim to support businesses that:
- Have been operational for at least six months
- Demonstrate clear green innovation
- Hold potential for scalability, job creation, and sustained income generation
- Address pressing social and environmental challenges such as waste management, recycling, renewable energy, and solar technology
On 26th November 2025, DCA awarded innovation grants to outstanding green and socially impactful enterprises from Kakuma, Kalobeyei, Letea, and Lopur wards. A total of KES 4,158,000 was disbursed, supporting more than 24 enterprises based on their business needs and growth potential.
In addition to funding, grant recipients will receive tailored enterprise development support to ensure long-term sustainability, improved market linkages, and enhanced capacity to scale their innovations.
Objectives of the Innovative Grants Competition
The micro-grants serve four core objectives:
- Support Innovative Green and Social Enterprises
Providing financial and technical support to climate-smart enterprises that contribute to sustainable livelihoods in refugee and host communities.
2. Promote Climate Mitigation and Adaptation
Funding businesses that practice renewable energy adoption, recycling, resource efficiency, and other green approaches.
3. Enhance Economic Inclusion and Job Creation
Strengthening enterprises with high potential for profitability and scalability, enabling decent employment and inclusive economic growth.
4. Build Capacity and Strengthen Market Linkages
Offering capacity-building, technical assistance, and market integration to ensure sustainable growth and competitiveness.
Selection and Scoring Criteria
Enterprises were evaluated based on:
- Environmental and Social Sustainability (30%)
- Innovation and Scalability (25%)
- Social and Economic Impact (25%)
- Business Viability and Sustainability (15%)
- Organizational Capacity and Compliance (5%)
Additional considerations included business registration, compliance certifications, and participation in previous Business Development Services (BDS) programmes.
Driving a Greener, More Inclusive Future
Through the P2P Project’s innovative micro-grants, DCA Kenya is enabling refugee and host community enterprises to champion climate-smart solutions while strengthening their livelihoods. The 2025 grants mark a significant milestone in advancing sustainable, environmentally conscious entrepreneurship in Kakuma, Kalobeyei, and surrounding areas.
As DCA continues to invest in green innovation, the organization remains committed to fostering resilience, promoting economic inclusion, and supporting community-led solutions that contribute to a greener and more prosperous future for all.
About the Project
- Full title: Pathways to Prosperity
- Period: January 2024-June 2026
- Theme: Building Resilient Communities
- Donor: Danida
