Pascal Kito - Three brothers, one vision

Pascal Kito — Storytelling with purpose

In Kakuma Refugee Camp storytelling has become a lifeline for Pascal Kito, a 23-year-old filmmaker, music producer, and passionate advocate for refugee voices. Originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Pascal arrived in Kakuma in 2013. The early days were lonely and uncertain — he didn’t know anyone and had left everything familiar behind.

“It was very challenging when I first came to the camp. I didn’t know anybody, had no friends, and left everything I knew back home,” he recalls. “But as soon as I started to engage in community activities, I began to create a family. Kakuma has become my second home — a place that makes me feel safe and gives me hope again.”

Pascal’s focus has always been on telling stories that matter, particularly those of FDPs (Forcibly Displaced Persons). He wants the world to see that refugees are not helpless — they are capable of resilience, creativity, and leadership.

“There are people who think refugees are vulnerable and cannot do anything on their own, but that’s not true. I use my skills to amplify the voices of refugees. These stories give me strength and show the outside world what we can do.”

His filmmaking and music production often intersect with advocacy. Through his work, he highlights the efforts of refugees to achieve self-reliance despite systemic challenges. Pascal cites the Differentiated Assistance for Refugees (DAR) system, which categorizes refugees by vulnerability, as both a challenge and an inspiration. Observing community members start small businesses to support their families motivated him to use his storytelling to encourage support and investment in these initiatives.

Pascal’s creative work spans film and music. He supports local refugee artists, producing beats and collaborating on projects that elevate voices of change. He joined Exile Key Film as an associate cinematographer and, over time, became the lead music producer at Exile Key Records, balancing production and studio work to champion local talent.

His journey began in 2015 when a friend introduced him to Season of the Time Media Productions (STMP), led by founder Batakane Yahunde. The learning centre became a safe space to dream, nurturing his technical and soft skills, and eventually inspiring him to become a mentor and media trainer himself.

“STMP empowered me to see how we can give our community digital skills and filmmaking knowledge. That motivates me to bring change through storytelling.” 

Pascal graduated from high school in 2023 and hopes to pursue a degree in Mass Communication, though resources for higher education are limited. He sees himself as a role model to his younger siblings, inspiring them to pursue filmmaking alongside him. Working with his brothers brings both joy and challenges.

“It’s easier because we do what we love, and we always find solutions. The hardest part is balancing emotions, brotherhood, and work — but we always manage.”

When asked what he hopes strangers will understand when they see his portrait, Pascal’s message is clear:

“What I really want to tell people when they see my portrait, is that refugees are just people like you and me, and they need to be included at a table where they can also decide. I want them to know that I’m a storyteller — passionate about telling stories that matter.”

Through his films, music, and mentorship, Pascal Kito is using creativity to redefine what it means to live as a refugee — not just surviving, but leading, creating, and inspiring the next generation