The government is addressing the continuous influx of displaced persons in the country, emphasizing the need for comprehensive and adaptable solutions to address the challenges related to displacement and identity.
Prime Cabinet Secretary (CS) Musalia Mudavadi outlined the importance of solutions that consider both refugees and host communities, transitioning from traditional camps to integrated settlements through the Shirika Plan.
Mudavadi highlighted Kenya’s efforts in assisting over 80,000 refugees and asylum-seekers in returning to their home countries, providing them with an opportunity to rebuild their lives and nations.
The Shirika Plan encompasses a broad spectrum of sectors, including education, water, sanitation and hygiene, health and nutrition, livelihoods, self-reliance, social protection, environmental management, energy, agriculture, housing, land, property, and other durable solutions. All these efforts are supported by a robust legal framework designed to benefit refugees.
By the end of August, Kenya was hosting a total of 644,011 refugees and asylum-seekers, with 83 percent classified as refugees and 17 percent as asylum-seekers. The increase in these figures, compared to July, was largely attributed to displacements caused by drought.
Within the Dadaab complex alone, 364,401 people are residing across 74,747 households, including officially registered and verified individuals, as well as those awaiting registration under the Department of Refugee Services (DRS).
Mudavadi underscored the human stories behind these statistics, emphasizing the resilience, hope, and determination of each individual.
He was speaking at the 74th session of the Executive Committee of High Commissioners (EXCOM) program in Geneva, Switzerland.
Mudavadi emphasized Kenya’s commitment to transitioning from traditional camps to integrated settlements under the visionary Shirika plan, inspired by the legacy of the nation’s approach to refugee management.
The Refugee Act No. 10 of 2021 and the Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework (CRRF) play pivotal roles in safeguarding refugee rights and facilitating the transition.
He also mentioned the ongoing efforts to develop a Refugee Education Policy, ensuring refugees have full access to education services. Additionally, the Kampala Declaration on jobs and livelihoods is being implemented to enhance empowerment opportunities.
Mudavadi assured that the government has improved infrastructure in refugee camps, promoting Kakuma and Dadaab towns to full municipality status, which facilitates access to government services for both refugees and Kenyan host communities.
Furthermore, the government is working on developing and maintaining a refugee database for planning purposes, focusing on socio-economic inclusion and participation.
Despite the progress made, Mudavadi acknowledged that ongoing conflicts in neighboring countries contribute to refugee inflows and protracted refugee situations.
He also noted the absence of a comprehensive national policy on refugee management in Kenya and the lack of a database, both of which hinder government oversight and restrict refugees’ access to essential services.
