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Difference between revisions of "Kakuma Ventures"

From energypedia
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(Created page with "●      '''Year Founded:''' 2018 ●      '''Location:''' Kakuma Refugee Camp, Nakivale Refugee Camp, Kinakoni Village ●      '''Energy Solutions and Services:''...")
 
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●      '''Year Founded:''' 2018
+
* '''Year Founded:''' 2018
 +
* '''Location:''' Kakuma Refugee Camp, Nakivale Refugee Camp, Kinakoni Village
 +
* '''Energy Solutions and Services:''' Digital services, solar kits
 +
* '''Thematic Areas of Focus:''' Energy, connectivity, employment, entrepreneurship
 +
* '''Number of Employees:''' 18
 +
* '''Website:''' https://kakumaventures.com/
 +
* '''Contact:''' [mailto:admin@kakumaventures.com admin@kakumaventures.com]
  
−
●      '''Location:''' Kakuma Refugee Camp, Nakivale Refugee Camp, Kinakoni Village
+
=== '''Kakuma Ventures' Impact Story''' ===
 +
Upon arriving at Kakuma Refugee Camp, Innocent Tshilombo identified two critical barriers facing the community: limited access to clean energy and reliable internet connectivity. Without electricity, households are unable to meet essential daily needs, and without internet, opportunities for education, entrepreneurship, and communication remain severely constrained.In response, Innocent founded Kakuma Ventures—a social enterprise designed to turn isolation into opportunity. Through an innovative business model, Kakuma Ventures delivers affordable digital services and clean energy solutions tailored to the needs of displaced populations. The organisation operates across four core business lines:
  
−
●      '''Energy Solutions and Services:''' Digital services, solar kits
+
* Internet Access Expansion – Installation of primary and auxiliary nodes to provide widespread connectivity
 +
* Solar Distribution – Distribution of solar kits on a lease-to-own basis to reduce dependency on expensive and unreliable energy sources
 +
* Digital Literacy Training – Training to equip community members with essential computer and internet skills
 +
* Opportunity Display Board – Providing youth and local businesses with access to vital information
  
−
●      '''Thematic Areas of Focus:''' Energy, connectivity, employment, entrepreneurship
+
Since launching operations, Kakuma Ventures has signed up over 6,000 new internet subscribers, significantly expanding access to education, employment, and digital services. Eighteen households have transitioned to clean energy solutions that improve their quality of life. Through targeted digital literacy and business support programs, more than 150 forcibly displaced individuals have diversified their income streams, while an additional 200 people have accessed training resources to enhance their skills and employability, empowered by Kakuma Ventures’ inclusive service model.
  
−
●      '''Number of Employees:''' 18
+
Kakuma Ventures has also created direct local employment by hiring eight full-time and ten part-time staff from within the community. Building on its success, the company has begun replicating its model in Nakivale Refugee Camp, where it has already onboarded two full-time team members to lead operations.
  
−
●      '''Website:''' <nowiki>https://kakumaventures.com/</nowiki>
+
=== '''Success Factors''' ===
 +
Kakuma Ventures’ success is rooted in its commitment to delivering high-quality services and cultivating strong, trust-based relationships within the community. Strategic support, including timely funding and technical assistance from partners such as the Next Energy Scaling Fund, the Miller Center for Social Entrepreneurship, Acumen Academy, Ashden, Aurora Foundation, HiiL Justice Accelerator, Last Mile Climate, and the Internet Society, have played a pivotal role in refining Kakuma Ventures’ business model and accelerating growth. Collaborations with organisations like Welthungerhilfe have further expanded reach and impact. With targeted training and ongoing support, the Kakuma Ventures management team has successfully navigated complex challenges, including currency volatility and interethnic tensions in the camp, demonstrating resilience and adaptability in a demanding environment.
  
−
●      '''Contact:''' [[Mailto:admin@kakumaventures.com|admin@kakumaventures.com]]
+
=== '''Future Plans and Support Needs''' ===
−
 
+
Building on the success of its pilot phase, Kakuma Ventures is now expanding operations to Nakivale Refugee Camp and Kinakoni Village. The company remains deeply committed to empowering refugee entrepreneurs and fostering sustainable livelihoods. Key initiatives include providing smartphones and laptops on loan to support freelance work, developing a locally hosted business listing platform tailored to displacement settings, and introducing agri-tech solutions to strengthen farming productivity. Kakuma Ventures also aims to scale its digital literacy programs to reach more community members. To accelerate impact and improve economic resilience across underserved communities, the company continues to seek strategic funding and partnerships.  
−
'''Kakuma Ventures Ltd’s Impact Story'''
 
−
 
 
−
Upon arriving at Kakuma Refugee Camp, Innocent Tshilombo identified two critical barriers facing the community: limited access to clean energy and reliable internet connectivity. Without electricity, households are unable to meet essential daily needs, and without internet, opportunities for education, entrepreneurship, and communication remain severely constrained.
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
In response, Innocent founded Kakuma Ventures—a social enterprise designed to turn isolation into opportunity. Through an innovative business model, Kakuma Ventures delivers affordable digital services and clean energy solutions tailored to the needs of displaced populations. The organisation operates across four core business lines:
 
  
 +
=== '''About the Founder''' ===
 +
Innocent Tshilombo, co-founder and managing director of Kakuma Ventures, is originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Displaced by conflict, he sought refuge in Kenya’s Kakuma Refugee Camp, where he has lived for several years. His personal journey through displacement has deeply informed his mission: to develop sustainable, community-driven solutions that empower both refugees and their host communities.
  
−
●      Internet Access Expansion – Installation of primary and auxiliary nodes to provide widespread connectivity
+
=== '''Media Resources''' ===
 +
<nowiki>https://ashden.org/awards/winners/kakuma-ventures/</nowiki>
  
−
●      Solar Distribution – Distribution of solar kits on a lease-to-own basis to reduce dependency on expensive and unreliable energy sources
+
<nowiki>https://powerupnow.org/portfolio/kakuma-ventures/</nowiki>
  
−
●      Digital Literacy Training – Training to equip community members with essential computer and internet skills
+
<nowiki>https://movingworlds.org/organization/2189</nowiki>
  
−
●      Opportunity Display Board – Providing youth and local businesses with access to vital information
+
<nowiki>https://blog.acumenacademy.org/forcibly-displaced-accelerator-features-2022</nowiki>
  
 +
<nowiki>https://blog.acumenacademy.org/meet-2024-acumen-angels-awardees</nowiki>
  
−
Since launching operations, Kakuma Ventures has signed up over 6,000 new internet subscribers, significantly expanding access to education, employment, and digital services. Eighteen households have transitioned to clean energy solutions that improve their quality of life. Through targeted digital literacy and business support programs, more than 150 forcibly displaced individuals have diversified their income streams, while an additional 200 people have accessed training resources to enhance their skills and employability, empowered by Kakuma Ventures’ inclusive service model.  
+
<nowiki>https://kdalive.com/kakuma-ventures-building-companies-in-a-refugee-camp/</nowiki>
  
−
Kakuma Ventures has also created direct local employment by hiring eight full-time and ten part-time staff from within the community. Building on its success, the company has begun replicating its model in Nakivale Refugee Camp, where it has already onboarded two full-time team members to lead operations.
+
<nowiki>https://www.impactboom.org/blog/2023/08/23/innocent-tshilombo-on-simplifying-digital-solutions-to-create-accessible-education-for-refugees</nowiki>
  
 +
<nowiki>https://www.nextenergyfoundation.org/projects/ashden/</nowiki>
  
−
'''Success Factors'''
+
<nowiki>https://ashden-dev.gn.apc.org/awards/winners/kakuma-ventures/</nowiki>
  
−
Kakuma Ventures’ success is rooted in its commitment to delivering high-quality services and cultivating strong, trust-based relationships within the community. Strategic support, including timely funding and technical assistance from partners such as the Next Energy Scaling Fund, the Miller Center for Social Entrepreneurship, Acumen Academy, Ashden, Aurora Foundation, HiiL Justice Accelerator, Last Mile Climate, and the Internet Society, have played a pivotal role in refining Kakuma Ventures’ business model and accelerating growth. Collaborations with organisations like Welthungerhilfe have further expanded reach and impact. With targeted training and ongoing support, the Kakuma Ventures management team has successfully navigated complex challenges, including currency volatility and interethnic tensions in the camp, demonstrating resilience and adaptability in a demanding environment.
+
<nowiki>https://www.reuters.com/business/cop/solar-power-internet-downloads-opportunities-african-refugees-2022-11-17/</nowiki>
  
−
'''Future Plans and Support Needs'''
+
<nowiki>https://www.context.news/net-zero/solar-powered-wi-fi-helps-african-refugees-to-become-entrepreneurs</nowiki>
  
−
Building on the success of its pilot phase, Kakuma Ventures is now expanding operations to Nakivale Refugee Camp and Kinakoni Village. The company remains deeply committed to empowering refugee entrepreneurs and fostering sustainable livelihoods. Key initiatives include providing smartphones and laptops on loan to support freelance work, developing a locally hosted business listing platform tailored to displacement settings, and introducing agri-tech solutions to strengthen farming productivity. Kakuma Ventures also aims to scale its digital literacy programs to reach more community members. To accelerate impact and improve economic resilience across underserved communities, the company continues to seek strategic funding and partnerships.
+
<nowiki>https://www.dw.com/en/africas-first-ever-climate-change-summit/a-66719515</nowiki>
  
−
 
+
<nowiki>https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/2022-12-13-innocent-tshilombo-reshaping-the-future-of-africa-through-clean-renewable-energy-solutions</nowiki>
−
'''About the Founder'''
 
−
 
 
−
Innocent Tshilombo, co-founder and managing director of Kakuma Ventures, is originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Displaced by conflict, he sought refuge in Kenya’s Kakuma Refugee Camp, where he has lived for several years. His personal journey through displacement has deeply informed his mission: to develop sustainable, community-driven solutions that empower both refugees and their host communities.
 

Revision as of 10:04, 11 September 2025

  • Year Founded: 2018
  • Location: Kakuma Refugee Camp, Nakivale Refugee Camp, Kinakoni Village
  • Energy Solutions and Services: Digital services, solar kits
  • Thematic Areas of Focus: Energy, connectivity, employment, entrepreneurship
  • Number of Employees: 18
  • Website: https://kakumaventures.com/
  • Contact: admin@kakumaventures.com

Kakuma Ventures' Impact Story

Upon arriving at Kakuma Refugee Camp, Innocent Tshilombo identified two critical barriers facing the community: limited access to clean energy and reliable internet connectivity. Without electricity, households are unable to meet essential daily needs, and without internet, opportunities for education, entrepreneurship, and communication remain severely constrained.In response, Innocent founded Kakuma Ventures—a social enterprise designed to turn isolation into opportunity. Through an innovative business model, Kakuma Ventures delivers affordable digital services and clean energy solutions tailored to the needs of displaced populations. The organisation operates across four core business lines:

  • Internet Access Expansion – Installation of primary and auxiliary nodes to provide widespread connectivity
  • Solar Distribution – Distribution of solar kits on a lease-to-own basis to reduce dependency on expensive and unreliable energy sources
  • Digital Literacy Training – Training to equip community members with essential computer and internet skills
  • Opportunity Display Board – Providing youth and local businesses with access to vital information

Since launching operations, Kakuma Ventures has signed up over 6,000 new internet subscribers, significantly expanding access to education, employment, and digital services. Eighteen households have transitioned to clean energy solutions that improve their quality of life. Through targeted digital literacy and business support programs, more than 150 forcibly displaced individuals have diversified their income streams, while an additional 200 people have accessed training resources to enhance their skills and employability, empowered by Kakuma Ventures’ inclusive service model.

Kakuma Ventures has also created direct local employment by hiring eight full-time and ten part-time staff from within the community. Building on its success, the company has begun replicating its model in Nakivale Refugee Camp, where it has already onboarded two full-time team members to lead operations.

Success Factors

Kakuma Ventures’ success is rooted in its commitment to delivering high-quality services and cultivating strong, trust-based relationships within the community. Strategic support, including timely funding and technical assistance from partners such as the Next Energy Scaling Fund, the Miller Center for Social Entrepreneurship, Acumen Academy, Ashden, Aurora Foundation, HiiL Justice Accelerator, Last Mile Climate, and the Internet Society, have played a pivotal role in refining Kakuma Ventures’ business model and accelerating growth. Collaborations with organisations like Welthungerhilfe have further expanded reach and impact. With targeted training and ongoing support, the Kakuma Ventures management team has successfully navigated complex challenges, including currency volatility and interethnic tensions in the camp, demonstrating resilience and adaptability in a demanding environment.

Future Plans and Support Needs

Building on the success of its pilot phase, Kakuma Ventures is now expanding operations to Nakivale Refugee Camp and Kinakoni Village. The company remains deeply committed to empowering refugee entrepreneurs and fostering sustainable livelihoods. Key initiatives include providing smartphones and laptops on loan to support freelance work, developing a locally hosted business listing platform tailored to displacement settings, and introducing agri-tech solutions to strengthen farming productivity. Kakuma Ventures also aims to scale its digital literacy programs to reach more community members. To accelerate impact and improve economic resilience across underserved communities, the company continues to seek strategic funding and partnerships.

About the Founder

Innocent Tshilombo, co-founder and managing director of Kakuma Ventures, is originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Displaced by conflict, he sought refuge in Kenya’s Kakuma Refugee Camp, where he has lived for several years. His personal journey through displacement has deeply informed his mission: to develop sustainable, community-driven solutions that empower both refugees and their host communities.

Media Resources

https://ashden.org/awards/winners/kakuma-ventures/

https://powerupnow.org/portfolio/kakuma-ventures/

https://movingworlds.org/organization/2189

https://blog.acumenacademy.org/forcibly-displaced-accelerator-features-2022

https://blog.acumenacademy.org/meet-2024-acumen-angels-awardees

https://kdalive.com/kakuma-ventures-building-companies-in-a-refugee-camp/

https://www.impactboom.org/blog/2023/08/23/innocent-tshilombo-on-simplifying-digital-solutions-to-create-accessible-education-for-refugees

https://www.nextenergyfoundation.org/projects/ashden/

https://ashden-dev.gn.apc.org/awards/winners/kakuma-ventures/

https://www.reuters.com/business/cop/solar-power-internet-downloads-opportunities-african-refugees-2022-11-17/

https://www.context.news/net-zero/solar-powered-wi-fi-helps-african-refugees-to-become-entrepreneurs

https://www.dw.com/en/africas-first-ever-climate-change-summit/a-66719515

https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/2022-12-13-innocent-tshilombo-reshaping-the-future-of-africa-through-clean-renewable-energy-solutions

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