Samuel Hall is a social enterprise that conducts research, evaluates programmes, and analyses data in and on contexts of migration and displacement. With a deep focus on amplifying the voices of migrants, the forcibly displaced, and host societies; our mission is to inform and inspire more inclusive programmes and policies, rooted in an ethical and academically rigorous approach.
Why People Move: Rethinking Migration Policy at Origin
In this episode, join host Mwara Namelok and Samuel Hall co-founder Herve Nicolle as they step into the findings of the EU funded project PACES, a research project examining how migration and migration policy decisions are shaped amidst broader societal change.
This conversation draws specifically on PACES Policy Brief No. 3, titled "From Deterrence to Credible Choice: Rethinking Migration Policy at Origin [Read and Download here]."
The brief challenges a common assumption behind much of migration policy today: that people migrate irregularly because they underestimate the risks, and that better information campaigns can change that. The evidence tells a different story, one where risk is already well understood, and where the real gap lies in the credibility, visibility, and accessibility of safer alternatives.
Want to learn more about the PACES project? Visit the website here.
The PACES project has received funding under the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme, grant agreement N 101094279. Views and opinions expressed are those of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
We acknowledge the contribution of our numerous research participants who donated their time to share their life and migration experiences, their life aspirations, expectations and their dreams of a better future. In the PACES project, we seek to give them a voice, share their concerns with decisionmakers with the objectives of creating more equal societies where all, regardless of nationality, may enjoy the right of freedom of movement.
24 Nov 2025
The Koboko Model: Nothing for Us Without Us
In this episode of the Samuel Hall Stories Podcast, we hear from Dr. Wilson Sanya, Mayor of Koboko, Uganda — a city where refugees don’t just live, but lead.
3 Jul 2025
BETWEEN THE LINES: From Aid to Agency: Rethinking the Donor Landscape for Refugees
Policy expert Lilian Obiye discusses with host Mwara Namelok how global events and political realities reshape the donor landscape for refugee support, emphasizing long-term development and the role of local organizations in this interview.
19 Jun 2025
Episode 9: The Strengths Within Refugee Communities
Host Mwara Namelok interviews George Dralagar and Adior Ibrahim about the existing strengths and community-led solutions developed within refugee communities in Kenya, highlighting the need for trust-based solidarity.
7 May 2025
BETWEEN THE LINES: Who Gets to Lead? Localising Research Amidst Funding Cuts
In this episode, we head to Kakuma, Kenya, to explore the politics of localised research in the face of shrinking humanitarian funding.
Our Storytelling Officer Devyani Nighoskar speaks with Franco Ohisa, a researcher and community leader, on what it really means to lead and be heard from within.
We discuss: 🔹 How funding cuts impact trust in research 🔹 The risks of extractive studies and broken feedback loops 🔹 Practical ways to centre refugee voices and leadership
Whether you're a humanitarian worker, donor, or field researcher, this conversation asks the tough questions about equity, power, and representation.
Don't forget to subscribe and share. Stay tuned for more episodes!
References:
DRC: Localisation of Protection Programming in Garissa & Turkana, Kenya
Bridging Worlds: Insights From a Refugee Researcher
Music Credits:
Pre-into music: The Remains of Hope /Magnus Ringlblom/ Epidemic Sound
Hook Music: Elegy Unspoken/Rachel Sandy/Epidemic Sound; Audio clip from the protest in Kakuma Refugee Camp, courtesy of Franco Hisa
Intro and Outro Music: The Light/Loving Caliber/Ooyy/ Epidemic Sound
24 Apr 2025
Carrying the Weight – Women’s Changing Roles in a Warming World
In many parts of the world, women are forced to carry the weight of climate adaptation when men migrate in search of better livelihoods.
This episode is part of our Lines of Inquiry series – a behind-the-scenes look at how Samuel Hall approaches research on migration and displacement.
🎙️ In this episode, host Mwara Namelok speaks with Wendy Indira, an Area Coordinator at Samuel Hall, about the intersections of climate change, gender, and migration. Drawing on fieldwork from Kenya, Somalia, and Nigeria, they explore:
✔️ The hidden labour women take on in climate-affected communities ✔️ Why adaptation often falls disproportionately on women ✔️ How women’s knowledge and networks are shaping grassroots climate solutions ✔️ What policy shifts are needed to better support women on the frontlines of climate change
From pastoralist communities to urban settlements, this episode dives into real-world stories that challenge our assumptions and amplify women's resilience.
References:
UNDP; Leading the Way: Women Navigating Climate Change, Mobility, and Resilience in Africa.
HABITABLE; Habitability and Adaptation to a Changing Climate: Impacts of climate change on agriculture and human mobility
GHANA
MALI
KENYA
Coping With Climate Change — At Home & Away in Kenya
Music Credits:
Pre-into music: The Remains of Hope /Magnus Ringlblom/ Epidemic Sound
Hook Music: Torn from Your Embrace/Jon Bjork/Epidemic Sound
Intro and Outro Music: The Light/Loving Caliber/Ooyy/ Epidemic Sound
26 Mar 2025
Behind the Metrics - What We Measure and Why
📊 What we measure shapes what we manage. But do our metrics truly reflect the realities we aim to change?
4 Feb 2025
From the Ground Up: Redefining Localisation with Refugees
Nhial’s journey—from Kakuma refugee camp to winning the Global Student Prize—offers valuable insights on empowerment, local leadership, and meaningful refugee inclusion. Through Nhial’s story, we explore how humanitarian practices can evolve to genuinely work with the communities they aim to support.
4 Feb 2025
The Promises & Pitfalls of Digital Livelihoods for Refugees in Kenya
In Kenya, where over half a million refugees seek safety and opportunity, digital skills are emerging as a crucial pathway to self-sufficiency. But are these tech-driven solutions addressing deeper structural challenges—or just a quick fix?
4 Feb 2025
Strengthening Localisation: The Value of Faith Actors in Humanitarian Work
How can faith actors effectively support local humanitarian and development efforts and strengthen localisation efforts?
4 Jun 2024
Unpacking Resilience
In this second episode, we are unpacking the term ‘resilience’’
What is the meaning of resilience and why is it such a popular word within the humanitarian space? Does resilience as an umbrella term absolve organisations of accountability? Does it put the burden of recovery on individuals rather than focus on systemic issues ? Or is it simply a term to celebrate those who have overcome extraordinary challenges.
Tune in and listen as we navigate these questions in this thought-provoking episode, hosted by Communications Intern Mwara Namelok and Samuel Hall’s co-founder, Herve Nicolle.
Pre-into music: Daylight Soft - Music by Vladimir Sheshnev from PixabayIntro and Outro Music: Eco Technology - Music by Aleksey Chistilin from PixabayNews clip music: https://www.FesliyanStudios.comBreak Music: Chili Abstract - Music by Yurii Semchyshyn from PixabayResearch References:
On the Long Run: The Story of A (Refugee) UltraMarathon Runner: François Msafiri
Echoes of Change: How one Maasai Woman-led CBO is Empowering Women in The Face of Climate Change
Between Tradition & Transition: Gendered Perspectives on Climate Mobility Among the Maasai in Suswa, Kenya
https://www.samuelhall.org/publications/iom-amp-unep-nbspidentifying-climate-adaptive-solutions-to-displacement-in-somalia?rq=climate%20adaptive%20solutions
https://www.samuelhall.org/publications/iom-afghanistan-unpacking-the-realities-in-displacement-affected-communities-since-august-2021?rq=%20Displacement%20affected%20communities%20in%20afghanistan
Don't forget to subscribe and share. Stay tuned for more episodes!
18 Apr 2024
Decolonising Migration Research
In our inaugural episode, we're diving into ‘Decolonising Migration and Displacement Research’ – a transformative approach that challenges deep-rooted biases and narratives.
Join us as we unravel the layers of this movement, exploring its impact on policy, public perception, and the lives of those on the move. Hosted by our Storytelling & Communications officer; Devyani Nighoshkar and our resident expert; Juliette Samman, a research lead at Samuel Hall, based in Lebanon; the episode delves into how researchers can dismantle enduring colonial structures in the field of migration research.
MUSIC:
Pre-into music: Daylight Soft - Music by Vladimir Sheshnev from PixabayIntro and Outro Music: Eco Technology - Music by Aleksey Chistilin from PixabayNews clip music: https://www.FesliyanStudios.comBreak Music: Chili Abstract - Music by Yurii Semchyshyn from PixabayResearch References:
On Participatory forums: https://www.samuelhall.org/publications/participatory-forum-on-protracted-displacement-in-an-urban-world
https://www.unhcr.org/media/press-coverage-refugee-and-migrant-crisis-eu-content-analysis-five-european-countries
https://blogs.lse.ac.uk/highereducation/2019/07/19/migration-studies-from-dehumanising-to-decolonising/
Lifelines & Dreams Methodology
https://www.samuelhall.org/publications/knomad-youth-migration-amp-development-a-new-lens-for-critical-times
https://www.samuelhall.org/publications/ref-south-sudans-decades-of-displacement-understanding-return-and-questioning-reintegration
Don't forget to subscribe and share. Stay tuned for more episodes!
Who has been a guest on Samuel Hall Stories
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Lilian Obiye
George Dralagar
Adior Ibrahim
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Podcast Authority Score: 8 / 100
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Engagement
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Mwara Namelok host the show. Published by Samuel Hall.
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