Refugee Rights Leader Takes Helm at Kenya's Top Advocacy Organisation
Nairobi, 3 April 2026
Barlet Colly Jaji brings over 15 years of humanitarian experience to lead the Refugee Consortium of Kenya during a pivotal moment for displaced populations. His extensive background spans crisis management from Ukraine to Somalia, with particular expertise in refugee camp operations at Kakuma.
Strategic Leadership Transition at Critical Juncture
The Refugee Consortium of Kenya announced Jaji’s appointment in April 2026, as the organisation positions itself to advance its fourth strategic plan [1]. Dr. Samuel Kabue, Chairman of RCK’s Board, emphasised the timing of this leadership change, stating the organisation aims to build ‘strong, agile, and adaptive locally led development and humanitarian structures that will protect and promote the well-being, voice, and dignity of the displaced and host populations’ [1]. Jaji will work alongside Catherine Njoroge as Programme Director and Anthony Wesonga as Finance and Administration Director in this new leadership structure [1].
Extensive Humanitarian Background Across Multiple Crises
Jaji brings more than 15 years of experience in humanitarian development and peace nexus programming to his new role [1]. Most recently, he served as Country Director of HelpAge International, where he managed humanitarian programmes during the Ukraine crisis [1]. His career trajectory includes significant positions across East Africa and the Horn of Africa, demonstrating expertise in emergency response and recovery programming. Prior to his Ukraine assignment, Jaji worked as Country Project Manager and Representative for Action Against Hunger International in Somalia, where he oversaw emergency and recovery programmes implemented across different regions of the country [1].
Academic Credentials and Technical Expertise
The new Executive Director holds an MA in Development Studies with specialisation in Organisational Development, complemented by a BA in Social Sciences and a Diploma in Microfinance and Community Economic Development [1]. His professional skill set encompasses organisational development, strategic direction and leadership, programme quality and learning, partnership approaches, and monitoring and evaluation systems [1]. These qualifications align directly with RCK’s operational requirements as the organisation manages complex programmes across multiple refugee settlements and urban areas throughout Kenya [GPT].
Direct Refugee Camp Experience and Regional Focus
Jaji’s experience includes hands-on work within Kenya’s refugee camp system, having served as Income Generating Coordinator at Kakuma Refugee Camp [1]. In this role, he held overall responsibility for administering and managing livelihoods projects aimed at the socio-economic integration of refugees and host communities [1]. His regional expertise extends through his previous position as Regional Projects Officer with Salesians of Don Bosco Development Office Eastern Africa Province, where he supervised projects across Tanzania, South Sudan, and Kenya [1]. Notably, he served as the focal person for refugee projects in Kenya for the Salesians of Don Bosco in Eastern Africa, providing him with comprehensive understanding of cross-border displacement dynamics [1]. RCK’s strategic pillars include legal aid and governance, peace and social justice, women and girls’ empowerment, mental health and psychosocial support, and organisational development [1].