In the Kalobeyei refugee camp, Judita runs a hotel and a grocery shop

Judita Gideon has always had an entrepreneurial spirit, but not always the resources she needed. Thanks to training in commercial techniques and HI’s support, she now manages her business brilliantly.

A woman stands in a room with tin and wood walls, surrounded by plastic chairs and tables. She smiles broadly and looks at the camera.

Judita Gideon, a refugee from South Sudan lives in Kalobeyei refugee camp in Kenya where she runs a hotel. | © Imani Rugenge / HI

An unprofitable business model

My name is Judita Gideon, I'm 40 years old and I live with my family in the Kalobeyei refugee camp in Kenya. I come from South Sudan, but I had to flee my country with my family to escape the violence.

Three of my children have physical disabilities. To meet their needs and those of the other members of my family, I rely on the income I earn from running a hotel and a grocery shop.

“The hotel business has always been my main source of income at the camp. But before, I could barely make ends meet because I only catered to guests until mid-morning and then closed my hotel for the rest of the day.”

Self-confidence, an essential business asset

Because of these difficulties, I decided to take part in the ‘InBusiness’ project run by Humanity & Inclusion (HI) and its partners. In particular, I attended training courses to develop my commercial skills, my autonomy, and to understand and strengthen my links with financial institutions. This has given me a lot of self-confidence and I can now run my business with a great deal of assurance, without fear of discrimination or stigmatisation as the mother of children with disabilities.

“This training has helped me to change the way I manage my hotel. For example, I prepare more meals and serve them throughout the day to attract more customers. I also received financial support to boost my business, which has enabled me to stock more products and renovate my hotel. Thanks to my savings, I've since been able to open a new retail business and a grocery shop.”

My business continues to grow and I'm delighted to be able to get so much satisfaction from what I do, while ensuring good living conditions for my family. This support has been crucial for me, and I would like HI to be able to continue to support more and more people, particularly caregivers of people with disabilities, to improve their wellbeing.

The InBusiness project ran from June 2019 to July 2024. The project helped to develop economic growth and encourage people with disabilities to become entrepreneurs, while working with the authorities to reform the economic environment to offer the same opportunities to all. It helped to train and empower some 1,200 disabled people, who have successfully launched and consolidated their micro-enterprises.

Date published: 04/06/25