The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is supporting refugees in Nairobi to better their chances of securing employment and earning a decent income in Kenya. IRC, through the Re-Build project, is calling for interested people to apply to be considered for various services that are aimed at helping refugees and asylum seekers to acquire certification for their skills. 

The opportunity is open to refugees and members of their host community who have gained technical skills but are locked out of employment opportunities for lack of proper certification. 

Those who have certificates for qualifications attained at their home country but are not recognized in Kenya will also be assisted to get accreditation by the Kenyan government entities. 

What is ReBuild? 

The Refugees in East Africa: Boosting Urban Innovations for livelihoods Development (Re: Build) is a project supporting urban refugees and their host communities in Nairobi to achieve economic self-reliance through innovative livelihood solutions. 

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Image 1: A team of mechanics working on a car engine (Source: ReBuild) 

ReBuild is looking to identify individuals who fit the criteria for different service tracks to apply for enrollment into the livelihoods support program. 

Partner Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs), Refugee Led Organizations (RLOs), and Community Based Organizations (CBOs) are also welcome to recommend eligible clients for different services as per the below criteria.  

  1. Skill Certification 

This service is offered to persons that have a particular skill, e.g. carpentry, welding, Tailoring, hair and beauty, art and craft, motor vehicle mechanics and any other skill area that can help them earn a living but they have not acquired a certificate for the skills.  - Certification is offered through different certifying bodies. 

Criteria for skill certification:  

  • Should be an asylum seeker or refugee.
  • Must have valid documentation; Refugee applicants should be registered by  DRS/UNHCR as urban residents and not camp residents. 
  • Should be at least 18 years of age. 
  • Ability to speak English or Swahili at a conversational level 
  • Live in Nairobi and Kajiado areas including Eastleigh, Ngara, Huruma, Mathare, CBD, Kariobangi, Njiru Umoja, Kayole, Donholm, Jogoo Road, Embakasi, Kasarani, Ruai, Utawala, Mwiki, Githurai, Ruiru, Kawangware, Kabiria, Kibra, Kikuyu, Kangemi, Kabete, Rongai, Kitengela, Kiserian, Ngong, Matasia, etc.  
  • Possess a certifiable skill e.g, tailoring, hair and beauty, mechanic, welding, crafts, catering etc. 
  • Not previously supported by IRC for any livelihood service.  
  1. Certificate Accreditation/Qualification. 

This service is offered to refugees who have university/college/vocational institution certification from their home countries and are yet to be recognized by Kenya Government. Once accredited by government bodies, these certificates will be recognizable in the Kenyan job market and help the certificate holders to increase their chances of getting employed in Kenya.  

 Criteria for Certificate Accreditation/Qualification 

  • Should be asylum seeker or refugee.  
  • Must have valid documentation. Refugee applicants should be registered by DRS/UNHCR as urban residents and not camp residents.  
  • Should be at least 18 years of age  
  • Ability to speak English or Swahili at a conversational level  
  • Live in Nairobi and Kajiado areas including Eastleigh, Ngara, Huruma, Mathare, CBD, Kariobangi, Njiru Umoja, Kayole, Donholm, Jogoo Road, Embakasi, Kasarani, Ruai, Utawala, Mwiki, Githurai, Ruiru, Kawangware, Kabiria, Kibra, Kikuyu, Kangemi, Kabete, Rongai, Kitengela, Kiserian, Ngong, Matasia, etc.  
  •  Be certified by a university/college/vocational institution from their home countries  
  • Not previously supported by IRC for any livelihood service 

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Image 2: Tailors engaged in cloth making in Nairobi (Source: ReBuild) 

 Important Notes  

  • All services are FREE. There is no charge for application or enrollment into the program. 
  • Potential clients will need to submit copies of identification or registration documents to IRC.  

How to Apply  

Individuals that fit the enrolment criteria are invited to submit their credentials to IRC’s Field offices at the following locations: 

 Partner NGOs, Refugee Led Organizations (RLOs) and Community Based Organisations (CBOs) are invited to submit referrals for potential clients using the referral form separately provided and submitted via email. 

 All inquiries and referrals can be made via email to: re-buildkenya.clientregistration@rescue.org and copied to: moses.onyancha@rescue.org, or call to: 0799 342 337/0799 342 338.