Kenya Calls for Increased Global Support for Refugees Amid Rising Challenges
By Stanley Nyale
MARCH 10, 2025 – Nairobi, Kenya
Kenya has reaffirmed its commitment to refugee protection while calling on the international community to step up funding and support to address the increasing needs of refugees and host communities. Speaking during a meeting with the Refugee Donor Group, the Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, Hon. Kipchumba Murkomen, highlighted Kenya’s progress in socio-economic inclusion for refugees while underscoring the urgent need for sustainable funding solutions.
The high-level meeting, attended by representatives from embassies, UN agencies, the World Bank, and other key partners, provided a platform to discuss the funding situation and the implementation of Kenya’s Shirika Plan—a transformative initiative aimed at transitioning refugee camps into integrated settlements.
Kenya’s Commitment to Refugee Inclusion
Over the past three decades, Kenya has been a safe haven for refugees from conflict-ridden regions in the Great Lakes, East, and Horn of Africa. The country has not only fulfilled its obligations under the 1951 UN Refugee Convention but has also championed the principle of humanitarian solidarity. Refugees in Kenya benefit from access to healthcare, education, and livelihood opportunities alongside host communities.
Hon. Murkomen detailed several key milestones achieved in enhancing refugee rights and inclusion:
Legislative advancements: Enactment of the Refugee Act No. 10 of 2021 and the Refugee (General) Regulations of 2024.
Access to Identification Documents: Issuance of legally recognized refugee IDs (Legal Notice No. 148).
Education Inclusion: Refugees are now integrated into the National Education Management Information System (NEMIS).
Accreditation of Prior Learning: A policy enabling refugees to have their skills and qualifications recognized through assessments by the Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA).
Social and Economic Integration: Refugees can access the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), National Social Security Fund (NSSF-SHA), and Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) PINs.
Decentralization and Local Development: Refugees are now included in County Integrated Development Plans (CIDPs) in Garissa, Turkana, and Nairobi.
Financial Inclusion Initiatives: Efforts to include refugee IDs in Know Your Customer (KYC) banking regulations and allow refugees to access mobile money services.
Growing Needs and the Funding Crisis
Despite these significant strides, Kenya faces a growing refugee population, with numbers reaching 836,907 as of February 2025. This surge, coupled with a declining funding landscape, is putting immense pressure on essential services such as security, healthcare, food, and education.
Recent reductions in food rations in Kakuma Refugee Camp—from 65% in 2023 to 40% in 2025—have raised concerns about worsening humanitarian conditions. If funding shortages persist, rations could drop further to 20% beyond June 2025, exacerbating malnutrition, insecurity, and health risks, particularly for women and children.
“The Government of Kenya has made a deliberate decision to integrate refugees socio-economically through the Shirika Plan,” said Hon. Murkomen. “However, this transition and stabilization phase requires substantial investments from all partners, including donors, international financial institutions, and the private sector.”
A Call for Sustainable and Predictable Funding
Hon. Murkomen emphasized that Kenya cannot bear the refugee burden alone and called for predictable and sustainable financial commitments. He expressed concern over the slow response to pledges made at the 2023 Global Refugee Forum, warning that inadequate funding could fuel competition for resources between refugees and host communities.
“To ease the pressure on host countries like Kenya, we must work together to support voluntary repatriation and expand resettlement opportunities,” he stated.
Way Forward
Looking ahead, the government is developing a government-owned refugee database to enhance service delivery, security, and planning. Additionally, the elevation of Dadaab and Kakuma-Kalobeyei into municipalities marks a significant step towards self-reliance and local integration.
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from Kenya to continue its efforts in protecting and integrating refugees, while urging the international community to step up support in line with the 2018 Global Compact on Refugees.
“We appreciate the unwavering support of embassies, the World Bank, IFC, JICA, and other partners. With collective action, we can ensure that refugees live in dignity and contribute to economic growth,” Hon. Murkomen affirmed.
#ENDS