Barlet Colly Jaji, Executive Director
CommonAge is delighted to welcome Barlet Colly Jaji of Nairobi, Kenya, as a new Individual Member of our growing Commonwealth network. With more than 17 years of experience spanning humanitarian action, development and peacebuilding, Barlet brings a wealth of knowledge, leadership and a deep commitment to protecting and empowering vulnerable communities. His expertise and passion for inclusive, people-centred development will further strengthen CommonAge’s mission to improve the lives of older persons across the Commonwealth.
Barlet currently serves as the Executive Director of the Refugee Consortium of Kenya (RCK), a leading Kenyan non-governmental organisation dedicated to protecting and promoting the wellbeing, voice and dignity of displaced and host communities. In this role, he provides strategic leadership to programmes that advance legal protection, social justice, mental health and psychosocial support, women’s empowerment and community resilience for refugees, asylum seekers and host populations across Kenya.
Before joining the Refugee Consortium of Kenya, Barlet served as Country Director for HelpAge International Kenya, where he led programmes supporting older persons and vulnerable communities. His work focused on humanitarian response, recovery, organisational leadership and ensuring that older people were not left behind during times of crisis. Throughout his career, he has consistently championed dignity, inclusion and equitable access to services for those facing displacement, poverty and vulnerability.
Barlet’s professional journey has taken him across Kenya, Somalia, Tanzania, Ukraine and the wider Horn of Africa, where he has led complex humanitarian and development programmes. His experience includes strategic leadership, organisational development, programme quality, partnership building, safeguarding, monitoring and evaluation, and resource mobilisation. He has worked alongside governments, civil society organisations, international partners and local communities to develop sustainable solutions that improve lives and strengthen resilience.
His commitment to protecting vulnerable populations aligns closely with CommonAge’s vision of creating a Commonwealth where older persons are recognised, respected and supported to age with dignity. Having worked extensively with communities affected by displacement, conflict and humanitarian emergencies, Barlet understands the importance of ensuring that older persons remain visible in policy, programming and emergency response. His experience highlights the interconnected nature of ageing, health, social inclusion and human rights, bringing a valuable perspective to CommonAge’s growing international network.
As a leader, Barlet is recognised for his collaborative approach, strategic thinking and dedication to building partnerships that create meaningful, long-term impact. Throughout his career, he has focused on strengthening organisations, developing local leadership and fostering innovation to address some of the most pressing social challenges facing communities today. These qualities make him a valuable addition to CommonAge’s diverse membership of professionals and organisations committed to advancing healthy ageing across the Commonwealth.
CommonAge believes that collaboration is essential to creating age-friendly societies where older persons can thrive. By bringing together leaders from diverse sectors and regions, the network continues to strengthen advocacy, share knowledge and promote innovative approaches that improve the wellbeing of older people. Barlet’s extensive humanitarian experience and commitment to inclusive development will enrich these collective efforts and help expand conversations around ageing, resilience and social protection.
We are delighted to welcome Barlet Colly Jaji to the CommonAge family and look forward to his contributions as we continue working together to build stronger, more inclusive communities where older persons are valued, respected and empowered to live healthy, fulfilling lives.
On behalf of the CommonAge Board, members and partners across the Commonwealth, we extend a warm welcome to Barlet and look forward to the knowledge, experience and leadership he will bring to our shared mission.