On May 1st, 2025, WIDU Kenya, in collaboration with the ProSEET program implemented by GIZ, launched a new Local Call — the #ProSEETCall, “Empowering Micro and Small Businesses in Refugee and Host Communities in Lokichogio & Turkana West.” This special initiative targeted entrepreneurs and small business owners based in Lokichogio, Turkana West, including Kakuma Refugee Camp, the Kalobeyei Settlement regions known for their resilience and untapped economic potential.
Now, as the #ProSEET Call reaches its final phase, we look back at the inspiring stories of those who turned challenges into opportunities, thanks to this initiative. To throw back on this local call’s achievement, today we kick off a new video series highlighting the success stories of WIDU Kenya entrepreneurs who benefited from this local call.
Building Opportunities Between Refugee and Host Communities
With over 309,000 refugees, the Turkana region in northwestern Kenya hosts one of the world’s largest refugee populations, including the Kakuma Refugee Camp and the Kalobeyei Settlement. Despite economic and infrastructural challenges, these areas are alive with entrepreneurial ambition and a strong spirit of innovation.
Recognizing this potential, two GIZ programs -WIDU Kenya and ProSEET- joined forces to bridge opportunities between refugee and host communities. The partnership was built on a shared vision: to empower micro and small enterprises (MSEs), foster job creation, and build stronger, more resilient local economies.
The ProSEET -“Promoting Employability and Entrepreneurship in Turkana West”- program provided vocational skills training in practical fields such as motorcycle repair, solar installation, and construction, while also equipping participants with business management skills like financial planning and marketing. Combined with WIDU Kenya’s digital support platform and entrepreneurial coaching, this partnership created a powerful foundation for local business growth and inclusion.
Watch the video of partners sharing views about this impactful Local Call : Click Here
Training, Coaching, and Funding: A Support Model for Success
Through the local call, participating entrepreneurs benefited from vocational training programs designed to enhance both their technical and managerial skills. After completing their training, the entrepreneurs could apply for a business grant of up to 750 euros (up to 100,000 KES) through the WIDU platform.
Adding an extra layer of value, the Local Call included continuous coaching support to reinforce entrepreneurs’ learning’s journey. Each participant received one-on-one guidance from WIDU coaches, reinforcing their training and helping them apply their new skills to real-world business challenges. This personalized coaching covered key areas such as marketing, financial management, accounting, and access to markets.
Overall, the #ProSEETCall supported 134 entrepreneurs –56% Kenyans and 44% Refugees- with 59% of them being women. Through this initiative, these projects have collectively created and maintained 158 jobs (87% for women) across Kenya’s refugee and host communities.
Lasting Impact and Inclusive Growth
As the local call reaches its final phase, its impact is tangible across Turkana West and beyond. The initiative has strengthened local economies, boosted family incomes, and built a foundation for inclusive, sustainable entrepreneurship among refugees and hosts alike.
As we reflect on the lasting impact of the #ProSEET Local Call, the joint efforts of WIDU.africa and ProSEET have empowered entrepreneurs across various sectors; notably, more than one hundred in the retail industry. Among the key outcomes are the formalization of businesses, the adoption of mobile payment, and the purchase of solar panels which have proven especially valuable to maintain activities during frequent main-grid power outages.
Beyond the numbers, the synergies between two GIZ programs have ignited hope, collaboration, and innovation, demonstrating how tailored partnerships can help transform local communities into thriving economic ecosystems.
This month, we celebrate the faces behind the figures. Discover the portraits and stories of inspiring entrepreneurs from Lokichogio, Kakuma, and Kalobeyei in our special video series on Facebook. Their stories are a testament to resilience and the power of opportunity.