In Kakuma refugee camp, the youth face an employment landscape as barren as the land they inhabit, struggling daily to find even the slightest semblance of work.

Youth unemployment is not just a problem in Kakuma; it's a nationwide crisis in Kenya. Statistics reveal a stark truth:

Kenya has a staggering 10 million youth in the active labor force, with a whopping 31.45% either under-employed or completely unemployed. The under-employed, who often work less than 40 hours a week, are desperate to clock in more hours if only the opportunities existed.

Yet, this nationwide struggle for employment pales in comparison to the grim reality faced by the youth in Kakuma.

Creative Gateway students at our 3D modelling class in Kakuma.

Do you know how many Kakuma youth get jobs?

According to the World Bank's Socioeconomic Surveys of Refugees in Kakuma (2019), a staggering 75% of men and 74% of refugee women between the ages of 18 and 35 in Kakuma camp are unemployed.

This statistic lays bare the dire situation: three out of every four young people are without work, trapped in a cycle of inactivity and despair.

The lack of job opportunities is compounded by the camp’s isolation, limited educational resources, and restrictive policies on movement, which prevent these young people from seeking work outside the camp.

The few available jobs within the camp, often provided by NGOs or UN agencies, are fiercely contested, making the competition as intense as a high-stakes lottery. For many, the dream of gainful employment remains just that—a dream, perpetually out of reach.

So, what happens when the dream remains out of reach?

Life in Kakuma, when there is nowhere to turn, paints a bleak picture for these young refugees, with distinct challenges for both men and women.

For the young men of Kakuma:

For the young men in Kakuma, the pressure to provide for their families and themselves weighs heavily on their shoulders. Without the means to secure a stable income, many turn to the informal/hustling economy, eking out a living through small, often unregulated trades.

They may sell goods in makeshift markets, perform manual labor, or engage in small-scale farming—each endeavor fraught with uncertainty and instability.

The frustration of idleness and the lack of purpose can lead to a sense of hopelessness. For some, this despair can result in destructive behavior. Incidents of substance abuse and involvement in petty crime are not uncommon, as young men seek escape from the harsh reality of their lives.

The lack of structured activities and meaningful engagement further exacerbates these issues, creating a vicious cycle of despondency and missed opportunities.

For the young women of Kakuma:

The young women in Kakuma face a different set of pressures.

In addition to the challenge of finding employment, they often bear the brunt of traditional gender roles and expectations. Many are responsible for household chores, caregiving, and, in some cases, raising children on their own.

The lack of employment opportunities means that financial dependency on male family members or humanitarian aid becomes the norm, reinforcing a cycle of dependency and limited autonomy.

Additionally, the lack of economic independence puts young women at greater risk of exploitation and gender-based violence. In a desperate bid to secure basic necessities, some may enter into early or forced marriages, or find themselves coerced into exploitative relationships.

The absence of safe spaces and adequate support services makes it difficult for them to escape these situations, perpetuating a cycle of vulnerability and marginalization.

What impact does this have on the community?

The pervasive unemployment among Kakuma's youth has far-reaching consequences for the entire community. Social cohesion is strained as frustration and competition for the few available resources intensify. The collective morale of the camp diminishes, as young people lose faith in their futures and the possibility of change.

Yet, even in this grim landscape, there are glimmers of hope.

Partner with The Creative Gateway: Create more job opportunities for refugee youth

For the last year, we have been training refugee youth in 3D modeling skills, offering them a unique opportunity to step into the digital age and find remote work opportunities. Our Creative Gateway Program has filled a critical gap that we noticed in the available vocational training programs.

While others focused on traditional skills, none addressed the future of work, remote work, or advanced digital skills beyond basic ICT training. Recognizing this, we stepped in to offer something different: training in 3D modeling and other digital skills designed to connect youth with remote work opportunities.

So far, we have trained two cohorts of 3D modelers and are on the verge of welcoming a third. Our program has ignited a spark among the youth in the camp.

We've seen remarkable interest and enthusiasm from our students, many of whom had never heard of 3D modeling before joining our program. Now, they are not only interested but eager to build careers in this field.

Our main goal has always been to link our graduates to remote gigs—a unique focus that sets us apart from other programs. However, as the number of our graduates grows, so does the need for creative agencies to step up and provide the next crucial step in their journey.

Who we're looking for: creative agencies with a social impact focus

We are seeking creative agencies that are passionate about making a positive difference in society. If your agency values projects that promote social justice, equality, and empowerment, you are exactly who we need. Your involvement can provide life-changing opportunities for young refugees who are eager to apply their new skills and contribute meaningfully to the global creative economy.

What We Offer

A chance to do good

By partnering with The Creative Gateway, your agency demonstrates a commitment to helping others. This partnership isn't just about business; it's about making a tangible impact on the lives of young people who have faced unimaginable challenges.

Access to talented individuals

We train refugees in advanced digital skills, including 3D modeling, preparing them to work on your projects remotely. These young talents are ready to bring fresh perspectives and creative solutions to your agency, enriching your team with their unique experiences and insights.

Boost your creative agency’s reputation

Working with The Creative Gateway can enhance your image as a socially responsible agency. Clients and stakeholders increasingly value organizations that demonstrate a commitment to social impact. By partnering with us, you can show the world that your agency stands for more than just profit—it stands for positive change.

Ongoing support

We'll support you every step of the way. From the initial introduction to ongoing collaboration, we ensure that both your agency and our graduates have the resources and guidance needed for a successful partnership.

How to get in touch:

To continue our mission and ensure our graduates thrive, we need more creative agencies to step up. Whether by hiring our graduates for remote gigs, providing them with remote paid internships, or offering mentorship, your agency can play a crucial role in their journey.

For the youth of Kakuma, the path to a brighter future is fraught with obstacles. However, with sustained support and meaningful interventions, it is possible to turn the barren landscape of Kakuma into fertile ground for dreams to take root and flourish.

If you are a 3D modeling expert, industry professional, or mentor willing to support our cause, please reach out to us at vincent@ambitiousafrica.org.

Your expertise and mentorship can make a significant impact on the futures of our talented graduates. Together, we can empower refugee youth not just to survive, but to thrive.

3 out of every 4 young people in Kakuma Refugee Camp are without work, trapped in a cycle of inactivity and despair- but your creative agency can make all the difference!