Baraka Messo

Baraka Messo The carpenter of Kakuma

Baraka Messo, 26, is a carpenter from the Republic of Congo who came to Kakuma Refugee Camp in 2015. He began by taking small jobs around the community, eventually teaching himself carpentry. Today he makes sofas, beds, chairs, and even takes on building and roofing work. “I started with nothing,” he says. “No tools, no support—just the desire to work.”

His early life was shaped by hardship. “When I was young, I had no money for food or school. No one could help me,” Baraka explains.

“I needed to find something that could earn a little income and still give back to the community.”

Baraka lives in Kakuma with his brother and now receives regular orders from customers, but the biggest challenge remains resources. “I have the skills and the customers,” he says, “but I need the finances to expand my business.”

Looking ahead, Baraka dreams of taking his craft beyond the camp. “I want my work to be seen in Nairobi and all across the country,” he says. “It hasn’t been easy, but I want to grow.”

For Baraka, the documentary portrait represents more than an image—it is a message.

“When people see my portrait, I want them to know who I am and what I do, your support matters. I want to grow my talent, grow my business, and for people to truly see the person behind the work.”