We’ve all wanted to make a difference in people’s lives. We’ve seen others do it; from Malala Yousafzai fighting for education for girls to José Graziano da Silva who created Brazil’s Zero Hunger programme. Young africans are also taking it upon themselves to solve the challenges that our world has hoped to eradicate for decades.
George Omollo and Arnold Kiplagat co-founded Nutrition for Refugees and Displaced Communities (NRDC) in 2025. It is an organization aiming to provide essential nutrition, food security and health support to those who need it most. George, who currently is the chairman of NRDC saw the increasing need for nutrition support in displaced communities and sought out like-minded people to work with on this.
What the Numbers Say
Behind the reports are millions of painful stories: displaced lives, stunted growth, health hanging in the balance from inadequate nutrition. As of April 2025, Kenya hosts 849, 625 registered refugees, many of whom are from our neighbouring countries: Somalia, South Sudan, DRC, Ethiopia, Burundi and Sudan among others.
Over 80% of the refugees are located in Daadab and Kakuma. WFP reports that in August 2025, general food distributions were availed in those locations and while the provisions were lifesaving, they remain far below basic survival needs for these vulnerable groups. Funding cuts have continued and are deepening humanitarian needs in Kenya’s refugees camps with community-level nutrition data confirming worrying trends. One in four children under five years is at risk. Still, nutrition programmes are on the decline.
For George, these are not just statistics, but real people showing incredible strength even in the worst situations. “My visit to Dadaab Refugee Camp, one of the world's largest, revealed overcrowded shelters, endless ration lines, and the devastating grip of malnutrition on children and mothers,” George recalls. It challenged him to do something.
When he presented the idea of creating an organization focused on refugees and displaced communities to Arnold, it did not feel like a new beginning; it felt like the next level of impact. Prior to NRDC, George and Arnold co-founded the Kenya Nutrition and Dietetics Students Association (KENDSA), where they built strong leadership, governance, and accountability structures within the nutrition profession. “NRDC represents a natural progression of that shared vision moving from student leadership to humanitarian impact.” says Arnold.
What Does NRDC Do
George, the chairman, oversees the organisation’s steps towards humanitarian service and community development. Arnold, who serves as NRDC’s treasurer keeps the organization fueled through financial management, prioritising integrity and sustainability. The two have brought in a team of staff and volunteers running programs that include:
· Relief food distribution
· Seed and tool banks
· School feeding programs
· Nutrition education workshops
· Mobile health clinics
All these are critical to bridging the gap in the health and nutrition of refugees and displaced communities hosted in the country.
Let’s Work Together
While various NGOs and the Kenyan Government are making efforts towards alleviating this situation, NRDC coming in now is opportune as Kenya is in dire need of more hands-on deck. George and Arnold’s step forward is an invitation to many others. If you are willing, join NRDC today as a volunteer or donor.
Visit https://www.nrdc.africa/en/get-involved to learn more.
Let us create a world where displaced communities have the resources and support to thrive independently.