Ali Suleiman

Ali Suleiman — Telling stories, transforming lives

In Kakuma Refugee Camp creativity is survival and Ali Suleiman has made it his purpose. At 21, Ali is a filmmaker, photographer, and content producer, using storytelling to highlight the experiences of refugees and create space for dialogue, healing, and empowerment.

Born in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ali fled conflict as a child, first moving to Burundi before arriving in Kenya in search of safety and opportunity. He came to Kakuma with his mother and five siblings. The camp became both home and classroom, but life here was not easy, Ali’s mother sadly passed away in 2019 after a long-term illness, leaving him and his siblings to navigate adolescence amid the pressures of refugee life.

It was at Season of the Time Media Productions (STMP) that Ali discovered his voice, “STMP is where I learned my skills, from technical skills to soft skills; It’s a place where I feel connected to my full potential.”

The training opened doors to professional opportunities. He worked as an editor and cinematographer with Sound For Life, served as communications officer with Iconnect Kenya, and consulted for LWF. Ali also contributes freelance work for Konexio, producing documentaries, short films, and human interest stories that amplify the voices of Kakuma residents.

Beyond film, Ali co-curates a podcast focused on mental wellbeing alongside fellow refugee Pascal Kito, tackling trauma, depression, and isolation among youth in the camp;

“Many refugees have experienced war and lost their families, mental health issues are high, the podcast provides a safe space to speak, emphasising that expressing emotion is a form of repair, not weakness.”

Ali has also co-founded programs that nurture the growing population of creative refugees, providing platforms for expression and self-development. His current project with at the Ukech Charity Foundation, called ‘Humans Are Still Humans’, reminds the world that refugees are people first — deserving dignity, understanding, and opportunity.

“Being a refugee is not a limitation, It is a stepping stone for my brighter future, a stepping stone for my visions and ambitions - When a stranger sees a portrait of me, it should signify Ali Suleiman — an ambitious refugee storyteller trying the impossible, to highlight the issues my fellow refugees face. I am part of the change I want to see.”

Through his films, podcast, and community initiatives, Ali Suleiman is transforming Kakuma from a place of survival into a hub of creativity, empowerment, and hope.