Notes from Nairobi: Reflections from ORAM’s Week Together in Kenya

Amid the turmoil of 2025, ORAM’s global team found a welcome moment of connection, learning, and hope during a week together in Nairobi. 

In November 2025, ORAM’s Executive Director Steve Roth, Director of Programs Anja Limon, and Communications & Development Coordinator Kyle Kvamme traveled to Nairobi to spend time with ORAM’s Kenya Team — strengthening partnerships, witnessing program impact firsthand, and deepening our work in economic empowerment. 

For many staff — including Kyle and ORAM’s Livelihoods Manager, Daniel Gitau — this was their first time meeting in person. For Steve and Anja, it marked their first return to Kenya in more than a year and a half. 

The team’s packed itinerary included visits to LGBTIQ refugee-owned businesses, safe houses, and community-based organizations, as well as meetings with partners and potential funders. These activities offered a powerful look at both the progress and the ongoing challenges facing the communities we serve. 

We asked several team members who joined the trip to share their reflections on the experience and what made the week meaningful to them. 

What was your favorite highlight from ORAM’s week together in Nairobi? 

Daniel Gitau 

Livelihoods Manager – Nairobi 

“My favorite session was the community mixer / joint learning and reflection forum, as it enabled me to directly engage with other ORAM staff, clients, the Kenya queer community, and Refugee-Led Organizations (RLOs). Through these interactions, I gained valuable insights into client-sensitive, responsive approaches that will be incorporated into current and future programs.” 

Kyle Kvamme 

Communications & Development Coordinator – Minneapolis 

“The highlight of my trip to Nairobi was the incredible visits to projects ORAM supports, led by ORAM’s incredible Kenya Team. Their organization, thoughtfulness, and care for each of our clients inspired me. They showed me the true meaning of allyship!” 

Priscilla Kendi 

Program Assistant – Nairobi 

“Direct interactions with clients and LGBTIQ refugee-led community-based organizations (CBOs) reinforced trust and improved understanding of their lived realities, underscoring the value of frequent, in-person engagement. Observing both thriving and struggling businesses provides a clearer picture of the community’s varying stages of growth, resilience, and resource needs. Overall, the visits reinforced an appreciation for the clients' resilience, determination, and creativity, serving as a powerful reminder of why continued support is essential.” 

Steve Roth 

Executive Director – Los Angeles 

“For me, one of the top highlights of our trip to Kenya was seeing all the incredible progress happening with the LGBTIQ refugees and asylum seekers who we serve there… people growing their businesses and supporting themselves; safe houses welcoming new arrivals; and individuals stepping forward as leaders and mentors to create opportunities for others in the community. The other main highlight for me was spending time with our amazing ORAM Kenya Team and seeing the passion, leadership, and care that they bring to our work every day. I’m so thankful for this inspiring team!” 

Winfred Wangari 

East Africa Program Manager – Nairobi 

“Our time in the community was meaningful. We witnessed powerful stories of success, resilience, challenges, learning, and re-learning. The visit reminded us of the heart and humanity of our work. Additionally, our partner meetings were productive, engaging, insightful, and marked by genuine interest in our work. There was genuine appreciation for the work we do and strong curiosity about future collaboration.” 

Kennedy Mwangi

Program Assistant – Nairobi 

"My favorite part of the trip was getting to hear how our programs have positively impacted the lives of the clients we serve. It inspired me to continue doing more for the community, with passion and determination. I also really enjoyed the team-building session that brought together the Kenya and Global teams. We only get to meet them once a year!"

Thank you to The Potluck Fund for supporting ORAM’s economic empowerment program in Kenya, and to ORAM’s Kenya Team for your leadership and thoughtful planning throughout the week. We look forward to continuing this important work together.