Mohammed El-Montassir

In Nairobi’s vibrant urban economy, access to financial services can make the difference between survival and growth for many refugee entrepreneurs. Through the Re:BUiLD program, the @RESCUEorg Kenya has partnered with Equity Bank to unlock new pathways for refugees and host community members to access banking services and strengthen their economic opportunities. This collaboration focuses on building the financial inclusion and bankability of urban refugees by supporting small business owners to access appropriate financial products, strengthen their financial management skills, and grow sustainable enterprises. By working closely with financial institutions and local entrepreneurs, the partnership aims to demonstrate how inclusive financial systems can empower refugees to contribute meaningfully to local economies. As the partnership continues to evolve, stories from clients and communities highlight the transformative potential of access to finance, not only for individual entrepreneurs but also for the broader economic resilience of urban communities in Nairobi.

When cholera surged through Kakuma and Kalobeyei refugee camp in Turkana County last year, the risk to children and learning was immediate and devastating. But with the Teach Well's project Crisis Modifier component, the @RESCUEorg Kenya in partnership with @filmaidkenya were able to act fast, protecting thousands of community members especially learners before the outbreak could spread further. Thanks to this flexible, life‑saving mechanism, teams quickly mobilized 🚰 School‑focused hygiene campaigns that empowered learners with life‑saving knowledge 🏥 Rapid case detection and referrals, ensuring sick children and community members received timely care 🧼 Community health mobilization led by trusted frontline workers 🏫 Support to schools and teachers to keep learning safe, even in crisis. This is what crisis responsiveness looks like, protecting the health, and dignity of affected communities. In this video, you’ll hear directly from the people who lived this reality such as learners who fought their way back to class, health staff who worked around the clock, and community mobilizers who ensured no family was left behind. Together, we’re strengthening resilience, saving lives, and ensuring every child in Turkana can learn in a safe and healthy environment.

In Kakuma Refugee Camp, Dr. Sila reunited with @RESCUEorg Ambassador Ebony Obsidian, shining a light on the remarkable women driving health services in one of the most challenging humanitarian settings. IRC health facilities in Kakuma serve over 200,000 people, many facing a severe child and maternal nutrition crisis. Yet despite limited resources, high demand, and the emotional weight of emergency care, Dr. Sila and her team continue to show up with determination, skill, and compassion. Their resilience is not just inspiring, it's lifesaving. Their dedication ensures that mothers receive care, children are treated, and families hold onto hope during the most difficult moments of their lives. On this #InternationalWomensDay, we celebrate Dr. Sila, her team, and the countless women across the IRC who lead with strength, empathy, and unwavering commitment to the people we serve. Here’s to women who rise every day, so others can too. #IWD2026 #GivetoGain #WomenInHumanitarianWork

In Kenya’s refugee camps, young mothers are fighting every day to protect their children from the devastating effects of malnutrition. Shukri's story form Dadaab refugee camp sheds light on the challenges these mothers face, and the strength they show in ensuring their children get the care they need. From lifesaving health and nutrition services to counselling, community outreach, growth monitoring, infant and young child feeding support, and dedicated care for children with severe malnutrition, the @RESCUEorg in partnership with the European Commission is working alongside families to detect malnutrition early and provide the support necessary for recovery to ensure every child has a chance to survive and thrive. These are powerful reminders of why sustained investment in maternal and child health remains critical, especially in crisis-affected settings. rescue.org/eu/article/lif…

@RESCUEorg Kenya is proud to announce a transformative step for maternal and child health in Kakuma, Turkana County. Through partnership with the Qatar Fund for Development, this initiative will significantly improve access to quality healthcare, ensuring safer pregnancies, healthier births, and brighter futures for thousands of mothers and children in Kakuma refugee camp and the surrounding host communities. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to dignity, resilience, and equity in humanitarian response. rescue.org/press-release/…

We’re excited to partner with @qatar_fund on a new initiative expanding access to vital reproductive, maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health services for communities in Kakuma refugee camp and Turkana County, Kenya. rescue.org/press-release/…

On 2 December 2025, International Rescue Committee Kenya had the honor of welcoming a high-level delegation from the EU Council COHAFA/CODEV, coordinated with ECHO, the Danish Embassy, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, World Food Programme, and the County Government of Turkana. The delegation was led by H.E. the EU Ambassador to Kenya and H.E. the Danish Ambassador, alongside members of the Danish Alliance and representatives from 18 EU member states participating in COHAFA and CODEV, and accompanied by our Country Director, Mohamed ElMontassir. The delegation visited IRC’s Women’s Empowerment Center in Kakuma 4 and Ammusait Hospital, the most critical health facility in Kakuma. Delegates witnessed firsthand the daily struggles faced by refugees and host communities, including the impacts of reduced humanitarian assistance on food security, livelihoods, health, and access to essential services. At the Women’s Center, women leaders and adolescent girls shared how safe spaces, vocational training, and financial inclusion initiatives are helping families cope. At Ammusait Hospital, health teams highlighted the immense pressure on maternal and child health services under constrained resources. The joint visit by COHAFA and CODEV delegates underscores the unique complementarity between humanitarian and development action, a position in which Kenya is at the forefront of integrated response. By combining immediate humanitarian support with longer-term development strategies, this collaboration ensures that communities in Turkana can continue to access essential services while durable solutions are pursued. Sustained support remains critical to protect lives today and build resilience for the future. The visit further emphasized the importance of shared understanding of concurrent humanitarian needs and the ambition to integrate basic services, reinforcing the value of continued EU and partner engagement. We extend our sincere gratitude to the EU Council COHAFA/CODEV delegates, EU and Danish Ambassadors, ECHO and Danish Embassy Kenya, UN partners, and the Turkana County Government for their engagement and commitment to ensuring health, livelihoods, and dignity for communities in Kakuma.

#WorldAIDSDay is a time to stand in solidarity with people living with HIV under the timely theme: “Overcoming Disruption, Transforming the AIDS Response.” Living with HIV is challenging anywhere, but it is acutely difficult in refugee camps, where displacement, overcrowding, and scarce resources define daily life. Yet, in Kenya, many refugees face these challenges with remarkable resilience and hope. At the International Rescue Committee (IRC), we are committed to ensuring uninterrupted HIV care for thousands of refugees in Kakuma and Dadaab refugee camps. We provide essential services; counselling, testing, ART (antiretroviral therapy), and psychosocial support through ten health facilities, in partnership with Kenya's Ministry of Health, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency. This year we have: · Provided testing and counselling for 34,667 people. · Successfully linked 100% of positive cases to ART. The 2025 World Health Organization theme reminds us that ending AIDS by 2030 requires sustained international cooperation and patient-centred approaches. Communities affected by HIV must remain at the centre of our response. Empowering them creates equitable access, builds trust, and establishes shared purpose. Together, we can end hashtag#HIV for everyone, everywhere. We honor all frontline workers who show up every day for those who need them most.

We’re Hiring: Grants & Partnership Coordinator International Rescue Committee Kenya. Are you an accomplished professional with a passion for impact at scale? IRC Kenya is inviting Kenya nationals to apply for the role of Grants & Partnership Coordinator. We’re looking for someone who: ✅ Has a proven track record in crafting winning proposals and producing high-quality donor reports ✅ Drives strategic business development and positions organizations for growth ✅ Writes with clarity, precision, and influence ✅ Excels at building and nurturing partnerships with both traditional and non-traditional donors ✅ Brings strong post-award management experience In this role, you will provide leadership across the Project Cycle Management (PCM) process, ensuring disciplined planning, execution, compliance, and money well spent for greater impact across IRC Kenya and our partners. If you’re motivated by mobilizing resources, advancing strategic partnerships, and contributing to ambitious, innovative programming, we’d love to hear from you! 📌 Apply now and join a team committed to excellence and transformative results. 👉 lnkd.in/dt_hAa_4

Marking 16 Days of Activism This year, we are saying it loud and clear: #NoExcuse for online abuse. Digital spaces should empower women and girls, not harm them. Yet, millions face harassment and control every day. At @RESCUEorg Kenya, we are committed to creating and supporting safer online spaces. Over the next 16 days, we will be launching campaigns across counties and online to raise awareness, equip women and girls to tackle digital violence, and champion tech as a tool for equality. Let us build a safer digital world together. #NoExcuse #16DaysOfActivism #ForAllWomenAndGirls #IRC

Today, at the International Scientific Conference on Community Health Practice in Kisumu, International Rescue Committee Kenya is proud to co-host a critical side event: “Realigning Refugee Camp Community Health Practice to the Kenya Community Health Strategy and Policy” 📍 Acacia Premier Hotel, Kisumu 🗓 26th November 🕑 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM EAT In partnership with @Amref_Kenya , @MSF_EastAfrica, the @MOH_Kenya and the @TurkanaCountyKE this session will explore how humanitarian health interventions can align with Kenya’s community health framework to strengthen equity and resilience. Why this matters ✔ Sharing evidence and lessons from refugee camp health programs ✔ Showcasing innovative models for community engagement and disease surveillance ✔ Identifying gaps and opportunities for integration into national strategies ✔ Advocating for sustainable investment in community health as a pillar of humanitarian response Join us as our experts, Irene Bosire (Deputy Director, Programs) and Brigid Mukoya Waliuba (Health Coordinator), share insights on shaping inclusive and resilient health systems. #CommunityHealth #UHC #HumanitarianHealth

Community health is the foundation of Kenya’s health system, playing a pivotal role in delivering essential services, promoting health equity, and fostering inclusive development at the grassroots. Between the 26th – 27th November, 2025, , IRC Kenya will be attending and speaking at the first-ever International Scientific Conference on Community Health Practice in Kisumu County organized by the Community Health Services and Development Officers Association (CHESOA)under the theme: “Reimagining Community Health Practice: Innovations, Partnerships and Equity Towards Achieving Universal Health Coverage”, bringing together researchers, policymakers, practitioners, and development partners from across the globe to shape the future of community health in Kenya and beyond. The IRC will co-host a side event titled: ‘Realigning refugee camp community health practice to the Kenya Community health strategy and policy. Partners: @Amref_Kenya and @MSF_EastAfrica In collaboration with: @MOH_Kenya and @TurkanaCountyKE Date: 26th November Time: 2-4pm EAT Venue: Acacia Premier Hotel, Kisumu. For humanitarian actors like IRC Kenya, this is a timely opportunity to: 1. Showcase evidence and practical experiences on delivering community health interventions in humanitarian settings 2. Highlight innovative models and best practices that have strengthened community engagement, health service delivery, disease surveillance, health system resilience, and local leadership. 3. Identify gaps and challenges in integrating community health practice into humanitarian response frameworks. 4. Advocate for sustainable investment and full adoption of community health as an essential pillar of humanitarian health response and recovery. Don’t miss insightful panel discussions and presentations by our team: Irene Bosire Deputy Director, Programs and Brigid Waliuba – Health Coordinator Stay tuned for updates from Kisumu as we work together to position community health as the cornerstone of equitable health service delivery!

Today @TheNewYorker released our short documentary “Rovina’s Choice." It traces the ongoing effects of the sudden shutdown of US foreign aid through the story of one mother in Kenya as she seeks to save her daughter from sickness and starvation. 🎥 1/ newyorker.com/culture/the-ne…

At @RESCUEorg , we believe empowered girls uplift entire communities. Thanks to @UNFPAKen & @filmaidkenya, 109 girls graduated from the #GirlShine curriculum in Kakuma, ready to challenge early marriage & lead change. 👏 #EmpowerHer #EndEarlyMarriage

Last week, on Tuesday, September 30th International Rescue Committee Kenya, hosted a powerhouse lineup of changemakers at our “New Aid Era: Locally Led, Globally Connected” event. Two dynamic panels sparked bold ideas, innovative opportunities and practical insights to redefining aid into an inclusive and sustainable new era across humanitarian, development, and finance sectors. 🔹 Panel I: Redefining Aid – Voices from the Ground PANELISTS: H.E. Dr. John Erus Lopeyok (Deputy Governor, Turkana County), Gladys Kiyapyap (Department of Refugee Services), Jonas Ndayisenga (Umoja Refugee Creatives), Julius Mutundu (SHOFCO) Moderated by: Anne-Marie Schryer-Roy – Regional Advocacy Coordinator, East Africa, IRC. Key Outcomes from this panel: ✅ Exposed systemic weaknesses in traditional aid models, prompting a shift to locally driven funding. ✅ Celebrated local resilience, innovation, and partnerships in rebuilding livelihoods. ✅ Kenya’s move toward sustainable, locally led aid through local policies like the Shirika Plan. 🔹 Panel II: Investing in the Future – Financing the New Aid Era PANELISTS: James Carey (DG- ECHO), Alistair Cowan (Danish Refugee Council), Peter Ndagara (Equity Bank), Danny Cutherell (Africa Director Refugee Investment Network) Moderated by: Karumba Kinyua (Innovative Finance Consultant, IRC) Key Outcomes from this panel: ✅ Called for aligning incentives and integrating refugee initiatives into core business strategies, beyond CSR. ✅ Highlighted successful microfinance and social protection models for refugees. ✅ Emphasized blended finance and technical support for refugee-led enterprises. ✅ Evidence-based approaches, emphasizing on stronger humanitarian-development funding links, and collaboration with development finance institutions are crucial in scaling successful pilots into mainstream funding. Huge thanks to our incredible panelists for sharing their expertise and vision for a more inclusive, sustainable aid future. #NewAidEra #LocallyLedGloballyConnected #HumanitarianInnovation

We’re excited to host a powerhouse lineup of changemakers driving impact across humanitarian, development, and finance sectors at our New Aid Era: Locally Led, Globally Connected event happening tomorrow at Radisson Blu Upper hill. Get ready for two dynamic panels packed with bold ideas and real-world insights. Panel I: “Redefining Aid – Voices from the Ground” This session brings together grassroots leaders and policymakers who are reshaping the narrative of aid from the inside out: This session brings together grassroots leaders and policymakers who are reshaping the narrative of aid from the inside out: 🔹 @H.E. Dr. John Erus Lopeyok – Deputy Governor, Turkana County 🔹 Gladys Kiyapyap – Undersecretary, Department of Refugee Services 🔹 Jonas Ndayisenga – CEO, Umoja Refugee Creatives 🔹 Julius Mutundu – Head of Sustainable Livelihoods, SHOFCO Moderated by our very own Anne-Marie Schryer-Roy – Regional Advocacy Coordinator, East Africa, IRC Panel II: “Investing in the Future – Financing the New Aid Era” Explore how innovative financing is unlocking new possibilities for locally led solutions: 🔹 James Carey – Policy Officer, DG-ECHO 🔹 Alistair Cowan – Head of Programmes, Danish Refugee Council 🔹 Peter Ndagara – Program Manager- Social Protection, Equity Group Foundation 🔹 @Henry Kilonzo – Senior Manager, Safaricom Moderated by Karumba Kinyua – Innovative Finance Consultant, IRC. Whether you are in policy, finance, humanitarian work, or simply enthusiastic about sustainable change, this is a conversation you will not want to miss. To join this conversation online please use this link lnkd.in/dsxuDEpr Password: xr2Em6W8 #NewAidEra #LocallyLedGloballyConnected #HumanitarianLeadership #InnovativeFinance

On 30th September 2025, @RESCUEorg Kenya will host a bold and timely event themed: “New Aid Era: Locally Led, Globally Connected.” This convening will bring together refugees, local organizations, government, donors, and private sector leaders to reflect on the impact of the Stop Work Orders and co-create a new vision for aid — one that is resilient, inclusive, and rooted in local leadership. 🔸 We’ll hear directly from refugee leaders and local actors driving change on the ground 🔸 We’ll explore new financing models that move beyond traditional donor dependency 🔸 We’ll showcase innovations from refugee and host communities ready for investment 🔸 We’ll connect across sectors to shape a future where aid is not just delivered, it’s co-owned 📍 Radisson Blu, Upper Hill 📅 30th September 2025 🕣 8:30 AM This is more than an event, it’s a call to action. Let’s reimagine the future of aid. Together. #NewAidEra #LocallyLedGloballyConnected #HumanitarianInnovation