The Civil Society Organization of the Year Award recognizes those who stand as the moral compass of society – challenging injustices, elevating the unheard, and driving transformative change while demonstrating excellence in legal initiatives, advocacy, innovation, and impact. For over two decades, the Refugee Consortium of Kenya (RCK) has been a beacon of hope, delivering critical legal aid, mental health and psychosocial support, women and girls’ empowerment, peacebuilding and advocacy initiatives. With operations in urban centers in Nairobi, Mombasa, and Nakuru, as well as remote regions in Mwingi, Garissa, Dadaab, and Kakuma, RCK has touched more than 6 million lives, fostered resilience and restored dignity in some of the most challenging circumstances.
On Friday, November 22, 2024, the Refugee Consortium of Kenya (RCK) was awarded the prestigious Civil Society Organization of the Year 2024 Award, by the Law Society of Kenya, for the 2nd consecutive year at the Nairobi Legal Awards 2024, held at the Safari Park Hotel. This recognition celebrates RCK’s unwavering commitment to protecting and promoting the rights of the displaced and host populations in Kenya, as well as the significant partnerships and dedication that make this mission possible. We pride ourselves on the fact that our impact is not confined to individual assistance, it echoes through Kenya’s legal framework. For instance, we played a leading role in the participatory approach of data collection, drafting and passage of the Refugees Act, 2021, and its 2024 Regulations. A legislative milestone that has strengthened the protection of the displaced populations while aligning Kenyan law with international standards. This achievement, coupled with our relentless goal to promote a safe environment where the displaced and host populations enjoy justice, and protection and are empowered to achieve their full potential, underscores our commitment to systemic reforms.
Speaking at the Awards ceremony, RCK’s Executive Director Barlet Colly Jaji expressed heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the organization: “This recognition inspires us to continue scaling up our services not only for refugees, asylum seekers, and stateless persons but also for the host communities in Kenya. At RCK, we are committed to ensuring that those fleeing conflict, persecution, or crisis find safety, justice, and dignity. This award affirms our dedication to transforming lives and driving systemic change in Kenya and beyond,” said Barlet.
We celebrate our partners, donors, diverse stakeholders, displaced and host communities, staff and board members for journeying with us this far. Let us continue acting in solidarity for a more inclusive, dignified, and equal environment for all. Your voice matters, your support counts, join us in the movement of empowering the displaced and host communities to achieve their full potential.
