We are more than just refugees; we are survivors, dreamers, and fighters.
Dennis Taban Okeny, Kenya
As a young refugee from South Sudan, living in Kakuma Refugee Camp, the concept of “safe” is something I’ve longed for, yet it remains an elusive dream. In my community, safety is not just physical security; it encompasses emotional well-being, a sense of belonging, and the opportunity to dream without fear.
In Kakuma, safety is found in the makeshift homes we’ve built from tarps and scraps, where families gather to share stories of hope amidst uncertainty. It’s in the laughter of children playing football on dusty fields, momentarily escaping the harsh realities of their past. It’s in the resilience of mothers who hold their families together with unwavering strength, despite the challenges they face.
The pictures in my photo essay explore the daily lives of refugees in Kakuma, and highlight the small joys that bring light to our darkest days. I want to show the world that despite our circumstances, we refuse to be defined by our past.
We are more than just refugees; we are survivors, dreamers, and fighters. Through my pictures, I hope to shed light on the humanity that unites us all, reminding viewers that in the face of adversity, love and hope can still thrive.
Refugees walk through the vast landscape of Kakuma Refugee Camp, Turkana County, Kenya, Thursday, (Sep. 7, 2024). Established in 1992, the camp is home to over 200,000 refugees from 14 countries across East and Central Africa. The wide view reveals both the scale of the camp and the challenges refugees face, setting the stage for a story of resilience and hardship.
(Photo/Denis Taban Okeny)
People engage in various daily activities along a busy road in Kakuma Refugee Camp, Turkana County, Kenya, Thursday, (Sep. 7, 2024). Despite poor road conditions, residents wake early each morning to provide for their families, demonstrating the strength of their spirit amidst the harshness of refugee life. (Photo/Denis Taban Okeny)
A mother prepares her children for school in Kakuma Refugee Camp, Turkana County, Kenya, Thursday, (Sep. 10, 2024). This detailed shot captures the warmth of maternal care, showing the dedication and strength of refugee mothers who ensure their children are prepared despite the difficulties of their environment. (Photo/Denis Taban Okeny)
A family gathers to share a meal under the open sky in Kakuma, Kenya, on [Sep. 10, 2024]. This scene reminds us that safety is deeply rooted in love and community, and even in the face of adversity, the bonds of family and friendship offer a sense of security and hope for a brighter tomorrow. (Photo by Denis Taban Okeny)
A child studies under a lamp in Kakuma Refugee Camp, Turkana County, Kenya, Thursday, Oct. 4, 2024. Without access to electricity, many children rely on lamps or torches to complete their homework, symbolizing their resilience and determination to learn even in challenging conditions. (Photo/Denis Taban Okeny)
Children play football on a dusty field in Kakuma Refugee Camp, Turkana County, Kenya, Thursday, Oct. 6, 2024. Their laughter and energy transform the barren landscape into a playground, highlighting how, through shared moments of joy, they temporarily escape the realities of their difficult lives. (Photo/Denis Taban Okeny)
Children gather water from community tanks in Kakuma Refugee Camp, Turkana County, Kenya, Thursday, Oct. 6, 2024. Water scarcity is a constant challenge in the camp, and this image illustrates the physical and emotional toll it takes on the children, who struggle daily to secure this basic necessity. (Photo/Denis Taban Okeny)
A group of children are collecting water from shallow dug-out holes in the dry earth of Kakuma Refugee Camp, Turkana County, Kenya, Thursday, Oct. 9, 2024. The image captures the children’s determination as they fill containers, highlighting the daily struggle to secure water, a basic necessity for survival in the harsh environment of the camp. Their focus and teamwork emphasize the importance of community efforts in coping with scarcity. (Photo/Denis Taban Okeny)
A young child is carrying two yellow water containers along a dirt path in Kakuma Refugee Camp, Turkana County, Kenya, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024. The determined look on the child’s face and the weight of the containers reflect the challenging daily task of fetching water. In an environment where water is scarce, even children play a vital role in ensuring their families have access to this crucial resource. (Photo/Denis Taban Okeny)
Two young children work with makeshift tools, captured on Thursday, Oct. 9, 2024. This moment exemplifies their resilience, growing up amid hardship. It is a reminder of the urgency to end violence and exploitation—these children deserve more than survival. They deserve a future where they are supported, protected, and allowed to simply be children. (Photo/Denis Taban Okeny)
As the sun sets over Kakuma Refugee Camp, Turkana County, Kenya, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, the fading light symbolizes the close of another challenging day for the camp’s residents. This final image reflects the hope that endures even in difficult circumstances and points toward the need for lasting change, particularly the end of violence against children. (Photo/Denis Taban Okeny)
Dennis Taban Okeny is a young refugee from South Sudan and lives in Kakuma Refugee Camp, Kenya. He is passionate about storytelling, particularly about refugee education, having faced many challenges accessing education there himself. He doesn’t want other young refugees to endure the same struggles.
Dennis founded Fly Bring Smile, a refugee-led organisation that trains young children in drawing, allowing them to express themselves and share their stories through art. He has also worked with Amala Education as a learning facilitator, guiding young refugees aged 14 to 17 in developing projects to address community issues and applying for pathway opportunities.
These experiences fuel Dennis’ passion to help others. Participating in the Safe Photography Project allows him to highlight the resilience and challenges faced by young refugees in Kakuma, aiming to make a difference in his community.