IAFR Project: KISOM Building Project (Kakuma Refugee Camp)

Our refugee partner, United Refugee and Host Churches (URHC), established the Kakuma Interdenominational School of Mission (KISOM) back in 1997. KISOM averages an enrollment of 45 students annually. Over one thousand men and women have graduated since the school began, most of whom are serving as pastors, evangelists and missionaries today. As it is the only school of its kind in the Kakuma region, it serves both the refugee and local host population.

The Need

For over 20 years, the Kakuma Interdenominational School of Mission (KISOM) met in whatever spaces they could find in the refugee camp, including an abandoned and condemned primary school building. In early 2019, IAFR completed phase I of the building project on a plot of ground just outside of the camp that we helped our refugee partners purchase.

We are now actively moving into phase II of the project that will include building three classrooms on the KISOM campus.

The Strategy

IAFR is partnering with United Refugee and Host Churches (URHC) - our local refugee partner agency and National Council of Churches Kenya (NCCK) our NGO partner in Kakuma. NCCK has overseen the architectural planning, local contracting and construction work as such work is among their areas of expertise in Kakuma.

The Goal

When completed, phase II will add three classrooms to the KISOM campus, one classroom for each KISOM level (year 1, year 2, and year 3 students).

The Opportunity

Our refugee church partners have done the work of drafting a detailed budget and architectural drawings of the classrooms. The projected total cost is $59,455 ($19,820/per classroom).

Progress

Phase I is complete. It includes the land, large meeting hall, 2 offices, security parameter, gate, guard house and toilet facilities. The facility is powered by solar energy. A rain water collection system and cistern help meet on site water needs.

We began seeking financial partners for phase II in March 2021.

Location Served