The Refugee Investment Facility (RIF) has completed its first investment in Kenya, providing senior secured growth capital to LIFTA Kenya Limited, an integrated bottled water and PET recycling company based in Kakuma, Turkana County.
The investment supports the expansion of essential services and economic opportunities in one of East Africa’s largest refugee-hosting areas.
Kakuma and Kalobeyei are home to over 300,000 refugees and asylum seekers and face ongoing challenges related to access to safe drinking water, waste management, and employment.
Founded in 2021, LIFTA addresses these gaps through a commercial model that combines bottled water production with localized plastic recycling.
The company operates with an installed capacity of 60,000 liters per day and commissioned Northern Kenya’s first PET crushing and recycling plant in 2024, with approximately 80% of its sales taking place within refugee settlements.
This investment really stands out because it demonstrates that high-growth, commercially viable businesses can emerge from displacement-affected regions. It highlights how targeted capital can unlock both economic opportunity and sustainable livelihoods in underserved markets
Fredrick Oloo, Senior Investment Associate, iGravity
LIFTA’s operations are closely linked to the local economy. Refugees represent 60% of its casual workforce and 44% of permanent staff, and the company works with refugee-led Community-Based Organizations for plastic collection and distribution.
Through its reusable bottle model and recycling activities, LIFTA contributes to both improved access to water and reduction of plastic waste in the region.
RIF’s financing will support the expansion of production capacity, scaling of recycling operations, strengthening of working capital, and the creation of additional jobs, including new employment opportunities for refugees.
This transaction marks RIF’s first investment in Kenya and reflects its continued geographic expansion.
It also highlights the role of structured capital in supporting businesses that provide essential services while contributing to economic inclusion in displacement-affected contexts.
