https://en.sputniknews.africa/20231021/implementation-of-kenyas-refugee-reform-plan-reportedly-delayed-due-to-lack-of-donor-funding-1062977665.html
Implementation of Kenya's Refugee Reform Plan Reportedly Delayed Due to Lack of Donor Funding
Implementation of Kenya's Refugee Reform Plan Reportedly Delayed Due to Lack of Donor Funding
Sputnik Africa
According to Kenya's Ministry of Interior and National Administration, the East African country is hosting more than 636,000 refugees and asylum seekers as of... 21.10.2023, Sputnik Africa
2023-10-21T16:38+0200
2023-10-21T16:38+0200
2023-10-21T16:38+0200
sub-saharan africa
kenya
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east africa
refugees
development
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Months after Kenya unveiled its refugee reform program, which includes a transition from refugee camps to settlement towns, implementation is still awaiting donor funding, Kenyan news website The EastAfrican reported.Under Nairobi's plan, refugee camps such as Kakuma and Dadaab could be transformed into formal towns, allowing residents unrestricted movement.According to the publication, international donors are insisting on a more detailed strategy that directly benefits the refugees before committing funds. As Nairobi asks other countries to resettle more refugees from Kenya, development partners are urging Kenya to take responsibility for resettling more of the refugees it hosts.Donors are also proposing to grant citizenship to long-term refugees who have been in the country for decades. They would then provide seed money to help them establish livelihoods.The "Shirika Plan," a five-year strategic shift, was announced in June on World Refugee Day. While Nairobi believes this policy is the best solution for those fleeing persecution in neighboring countries, it is seeking more partners to support and fund the initiative.Kenya's Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi presented the plan to development partners this week at the 74th session of the Executive Committee of High Commissioners Program in Geneva, Switzerland.However, the Kenyan government has not made any commitments to grant further citizenship, according to The EastAfrican.It's worth noting that Kenya recently granted citizenship to the Makonde and Pemba people after years of living in the country as refugees.According to the reform plan, Kenya aims to establish a comprehensive database of refugee numbers, identities, sources, and statuses, as well as economic activities. The Kenyan government also intends to issue special identification documents to refugees, enabling them to move freely for business or employment rather than being restricted by refugee cards.According to Prime Cabinet Secretary Mudavadi, who is also the country's Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, the transformation of these camps into formal towns would include essential infrastructure such as water services, sewerage systems, roads, schools, hospitals, and agricultural facilities.Mudavadi also highlighted that a robust legal framework would underpin these developments for the benefit of both refugees and host communities.The Kenyan prime secretary met in Geneva with Filippo Grandi, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and Julieta Valls Noyes, the US Assistant Secretary of State for Population, Refugees, and Migration.Noyes expressed support for the plan after Kenya's approval of the final foundational policies. In his turn, Grandi mentioned that UNHCR is advocating for localized and sustainable solutions, aligning with Kenya's objectives.
https://en.sputniknews.africa/20230512/kenya-to-transform-biggest-refugees-camps-into-integrated-settlements-1059202118.html
https://en.sputniknews.africa/20230821/tanzania-raises-red-flag-over-lack-of-funding-for-dr-congo-refugees-1061505270.html
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kenya, nairobi, east africa, refugees, development
kenya, nairobi, east africa, refugees, development
Implementation of Kenya's Refugee Reform Plan Reportedly Delayed Due to Lack of Donor Funding
Muhammad Nooh Osman
Writer/Editor
According to Kenya's Ministry of Interior and National Administration, the East African country is hosting more than 636,000 refugees and asylum seekers as of July 2023. This population consists of 525,083 (83%) refugees and 110,941 (17%) asylum seekers.
Months after Kenya unveiled its
refugee reform program, which includes a transition from refugee camps to settlement towns, implementation is still awaiting donor funding, Kenyan news website The EastAfrican reported.
Under
Nairobi's plan, refugee camps such as Kakuma and Dadaab could be transformed into formal towns, allowing residents unrestricted movement.
According to the publication, international donors are insisting on a more detailed strategy that directly benefits the refugees before committing funds. As Nairobi asks other countries to resettle more refugees from Kenya, development partners are urging Kenya to take responsibility for resettling more of the refugees it hosts.
Donors are also proposing to grant citizenship to long-term refugees who have been in the country for decades. They would then provide seed money to help them establish livelihoods.
The "Shirika Plan," a five-year strategic shift, was announced in June on World Refugee Day. While Nairobi believes this policy is the best solution for those fleeing persecution in neighboring countries, it is seeking more partners to support and fund the initiative.
Kenya's Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi presented the plan to
development partners this week at the 74th session of the Executive Committee of High Commissioners Program in Geneva, Switzerland.
"Refugee camps like Kakuma and Dadaab grapple with significant environmental challenges due to high population density, limited resources and inadequate infrastructure. These complex issues underscore the need for comprehensive and strategic responses to ensure the wellbeing of both refugees and host communities," Mudavadi said, calling upon global partners to support Kenya's efforts in refugee management and empower both refugees and host communities.
However, the Kenyan government has not made any commitments to grant further citizenship, according to The EastAfrican.
It's worth noting that Kenya recently granted citizenship to the Makonde and Pemba people after years of living in the country as refugees.
According to the reform plan, Kenya aims to establish a comprehensive database of refugee numbers, identities, sources, and statuses, as well as economic activities. The Kenyan government also intends to issue special identification documents to refugees, enabling them to move freely for business or employment rather than being restricted by refugee cards.
"It is based on years of learning by Kenya from hosting refugees. There has been quite some enthusiasm from our development partners for this Plan and the details of financing it are being worked on to support the programme," said Dr. Korir Sing'oei, Kenya's Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs. "If you look at our refugee camps, the population has grown beyond their capacity so the whole idea is to work with humanitarian agencies to rethink these settlements."
According to Prime Cabinet Secretary Mudavadi, who is also the country's Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, the transformation of these camps into formal towns would include essential infrastructure such as water services, sewerage systems, roads, schools, hospitals, and agricultural facilities.
Mudavadi also highlighted that a robust legal framework would underpin these developments for the benefit of both
refugees and host communities.
The Kenyan prime secretary met in Geneva with Filippo Grandi, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and Julieta Valls Noyes, the US Assistant Secretary of State for Population, Refugees, and Migration.
Noyes expressed support for the plan after Kenya's approval of the final foundational policies. In his turn, Grandi mentioned that UNHCR is advocating for localized and sustainable solutions, aligning with Kenya's objectives.
"We are focusing on ensuring that climate-related displacement is an element of national adaptation plans, including through early warning systems, and that services and assistance provided are environmentally sustainable," Grandi told an audience in Geneva.
