Life in Kakuma: More Than a Refugee Camp
Kakuma Refugee Camp is more than a location on the map of Kenya. It is a place where survival replaces dreams and where many people wake up each day not knowing how they will eat or move forward. Refugees here are not only escaping war; they are escaping a future that keeps closing its doors. Life in Kakuma stays with you long after you leave, because the struggle becomes part of who you are.
After High School: When Hope Begins to Fade
Finishing high school in Kakuma should be a proud moment, but for many youths it is the beginning of fear. Once the certificates are collected and celebrations end, reality appears. Grades may not be enough for university, money for further education is unavailable, and job opportunities inside the camp are extremely limited. Education promises success, yet for many refugees it leads to a dead end.
Motorbikes as Survival, Not Freedom
With no jobs and no school to attend, many young men turn to motorbikes. These are not owned bikes, but borrowed ones, often rented daily from owners who expect payment whether the day was successful or not. Riding a motorbike in Kakuma is not about freedom or adventure; it is about surviving another day and hoping the effort will put food on the table.
Risk on Every Ride
The roads in Kakuma are rough, dusty, and dangerous. Most motorbikes are old and poorly maintained, increasing the risk of accidents. Each ride feels like a gamble with life itself. One stone, one mistake, or one careless vehicle can end everything. That is why many youths say that life in Kakuma feels like suicide on a motorbike—you ride knowing the danger but having no other option.
When Rain Becomes a Curse
Rain is usually a blessing, but in Kakuma it brings suffering. Roads turn into thick mud, motorbikes slip, and customers disappear. With no movement, there is no income. Families go to bed hungry, children cry quietly, and parents sit in silence, unable to provide. Rain does not ask who is ready; it simply falls and takes hope with it.
The Cruel Heat and Endless Wind
On days without rain, the sun becomes the enemy. The heat is extreme, draining strength and causing dizziness, while strong winds blow dust into eyes and mouths. Riders spend long hours waiting for customers under unbearable conditions. This struggle is not caused by laziness, but by an environment that constantly fights against human survival.
No University, No Jobs, No Direction
After high school, most youths in Kakuma feel trapped. Universities are expensive, scholarships are limited, and online education requires internet and devices that many refugees cannot afford. NGO jobs are rare, with thousands applying for a single position. Motorbike riding, casual labor, and small hustles become the only options, yet they barely sustain life.
The Silent Mental Struggle
The pressure of daily survival slowly affects mental health. Depression, stress, and anxiety become common. Many young people question their existence, asking why life is so unfair. Despite this, faith remains strong. Many believe God has not forgotten them and that their suffering is a test of patience. Still, even faith struggles when pain lasts too long.
Too Many Challenges for One Human Life
Kakuma places heavy burdens on its residents. Children grow up too fast, youths lose hope too early, and dreams disappear without noise. The challenges are not small; they are overwhelming and continuous, making survival itself a daily achievement.
Safety Without Dignity Is Not Enough
People outside the camp often say refugees should be grateful for safety. But safety without dignity, opportunity, and growth becomes another prison. Those who have lived in Kakuma understand this truth deeply. Sleeping hungry, risking life for small money, and watching education lose value leaves permanent scars.
Strength, Brotherhood, and Survival
Despite everything, Kakuma is full of resilience. People share food when they have little, help each other without expectation, and survive through unity. Brotherhood and sisterhood keep many alive when systems fail them.
What the World Needs to Understand
Refugees do not need pity; they need opportunity. Kakuma youths are not lazy or useless—they are trapped by circumstances beyond their control. With education, jobs, and access to resources, they can contribute positively to the world.
Living With Hope, Riding With Fear
Every morning, many youths still wake up, borrow a motorbike, and hope the day will shine. They hope the rain will stay away, the sun will be kinder, and that they will return home alive. This is life in Kakuma—harsh, real, and unforgettable. And for those who have lived it once, Kakuma never leaves the heart.
