Returnee migrant workers Recognized Through DPF – BRMM Business Plan Competition

On 19 February 2026, the DPF–BRMM Business Plan Competition celebrated entrepreneurship among returnee migrant workers in Mombasa, Kenya, by awarding seed capital and special recognition to innovative business ideas. Implemented by the Destiny Path Foundation (DPF) and the ILO under the UK FCDO-funded Better Regional Migration Management (BRMM) Programme, the competition supports the economic reintegration of returnee migrants through entrepreneurship development, mentorship, and access to finance.

The competition awarded the top three finalists with seed capital prizes, while 12 additional participants received special recognition awards for innovation, resilience, customer service, digital transformation, financial management, and social impact. Awardees also received tools of trade to support the growth of their enterprises. The overall winner, Stella Wangila, a returnee migrant from Senegal and entrepreneur living with a disability, highlighted the impact of the initiative on rebuilding livelihoods and creating opportunities for others. The winner, 29-year-old Stella Wangila, a returnee migrant from Senegal, survivor of sexual violence, mother of one and living with a disability, expressed her gratitude:

I am forever grateful to God, Destiny Path Foundation and the ILO for giving me a renewed opportunity to thrive. Beyond the impactful training, this award will help me create more opportunities for persons living with disabilities at my café.

The competition forms part of BRMM’s broader reintegration support in Mombasa County, where over 1,000 returnee migrants have benefited from entrepreneurship training under the ILO Start and Improve Your Business (SIYB) programme, financial literacy support, mentorship, and access to savings and credit services through the Tujibidiishe SACCO. The January 2026 competition attracted more than 100 participants, with 30 finalists pitching business ideas focused on market viability, operational sustainability, and social impact. By strengthening entrepreneurial skills, expanding access to finance, and promoting enterprise development, the initiative continues to support sustainable reintegration and inclusive local economic growth in Mombasa County.