Dalle Ibrahim, a researcher based in northern Kenya, speaks about the power of community-led research and the unique role local researchers play in understanding the region’s challenges. He underscores how trust and access are central to gathering meaningful data, particularly in fragile or marginalised areas.
Drawing on his experience in the XCEPT programme, Dalle reflects on how local research not only fills knowledge gaps but ensures that the voices of affected communities are heard and represented. He shares how being embedded in these contexts helps researchers engage meaningfully with people and gather evidence that external actors might miss.
He also points to the importance of platforms like XCEPT in strengthening the capacity of local researchers. Through training, collaboration and exposure, local scholars like Dalle are shaping research that influences humanitarian, development and peacebuilding policy in Kenya’s border regions and beyond.
