This World Humanitarian Day, we honor those who work tirelessly to protect and uplift the displaced and vulnerable. Among these dedicated individuals is Simon Muteti Nzioka, our Country Director-Kenya, who has steadfastly advocated for refugee protection for the last 18 years. Simon’s journey into humanitarian work began in 2006, not in the comfort of an office but in the dusty expanse of Dadaab Camp.
With a background in academia, transitioning to the humanitarian field was a leap into the unknown. What motivated this leap? "Humanitarian International Law has always fascinated me, and being on the frontline of humanitarian assistance was something I wanted to do," Simon reflects. "The idea that we can have a legal framework dedicated to protecting those who have lost everything inspired me. It was time to stop lecturing about change and start making it happen in the frontline."
One defining moment in his career came during Kenya’s post-election violence when our organization established a direct response to the most affected persons in the Rift Valley region in Kenya. "It wasn’t easy," Simon recalls with a wry smile, "but then again, nothing worth doing ever is. We finally had the chance to impact the lives of those affected directly. And seeing the Refugee Act 2006 come to life in the same year was the cherry on top."
Since then, Simon has worked in some of the world’s most fragile contexts, including Yemen and Somalia. Despite the challenges, his mission has always been clear: to save lives and restore dignity. "Every life saved, and every smile returned is a reminder of why we do what we do," says Simon.
World Humanitarian Day holds particular significance for those working in the refugee space. It’s a day to recognize not just the struggles and resilience of refugees but also the vital role of the global humanitarian community in supporting them. For us, it’s a reminder that our work goes beyond providing shelter or food, it’s about advocating for human rights, building futures, and ensuring that those displaced by conflict or disaster are not forgotten.
"Refugees are not just survivors; they’re contributors, innovators, and, above all, people with dreams. Our job is to help them achieve those dreams, one step at a time."
/ Simon Muteti Nzioka, Country Director Kenya Programme
Under Simon’s leadership, DRC Kenya has achieved remarkable milestones in refugee socio-economic integration. Our expertise in child protection, gender-based violence (GBV), and policy advocacy has been recognized and valued. A significant achievement has been our contribution to the revision of the Refugee Act of 2021, where we played a key role in supporting the Government of Kenya through the Directorate of Refugee Services (DRS). This revision represents a critical step forward in ensuring the rights and dignities of refugees are upheld.
Another point of pride is our engagement with the private sector. "We have teamed up with Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) to include refugees in the formal financial system. And our partnership with Mr. Green Africa is not just about employment; it’s about dignified, sustainable work. We’re not just saving lives; we’re building futures."
Of course, the journey hasn’t been without its challenges. "Safety is a constant concern, and reduced humanitarian funding— well, let’s just say we do our best at assisting with the much we can get through our generous donors," Simon chuckles. "But seriously, a lot of efforts will need to be put in when it comes to refugee documentation, which has been a challenge over the years – but the current huge efforts of the DRS and UNHCR will hopefully resolve this issue. The DRS theme of Financial inclusion of refugees is a constant reminder to all of us towards making our contributions to address this important milestone."
Despite these challenges, the focus remains on sustainable solutions. Simon emphasizes the importance of partnerships: "We can’t do it alone. Whether it’s the government, NGOs, or the private sector, we all have a role to play."
As we reflect on the work done and the road ahead, one thing is clear: the mission is far from over. World Humanitarian Day reminds us that our collective efforts, whether large or small, are essential in creating a world where every person has the opportunity to live with dignity and hope.
We continue to #fightforhumanity with every act of kindness.
World Humanitarian Day (WHD) takes place every year on 19 August.
It was designated by the UN General Assembly in 2008 to coincide with the anniversary of the 2003 bombing of the UN headquarters in Baghdad, Iraq.
Originally designed to recognize aid workers, WHD has evolved to highlight different areas related to humanitarian action, mobilizing people from around the world to advocate for a broader humanitarian cause.