Kenya Urged to Reform Refugee Management System Amid Gaps in Data and Support for Host Communities
Kenya’s management of refugees has come under intense scrutiny following a high-level forum held at Serena Hotel in Mombasa, where key stakeholders highlighted the country’s lack of a localized database for refugee data and called for urgent reforms. The forum, organized by the National Assembly’s Regional Development Committee, underscored the need for better control and management of refugee data, as well as more comprehensive support for both refugees and host communities.
Currently, Kenya relies on refugee data managed by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), with the information stored abroad in Hungary. Mr. John Burugu, the Commissioner for Refugee Affairs, addressed the gathering, explaining the challenges this dependency poses. “We are supposed to be the custodian of this database, but we only process it on behalf of the UNHCR,” Burugu said. “We cannot fully confirm that the numbers provided by UNHCR accurately reflect the refugee population in Kenya.”
Efforts are underway to create a more accurate, locally controlled database, with the government collaborating with international partners to address the data gaps.
The forum, themed *Strategic Approaches to Balancing Social Cohesion and Environmental Sustainability in Refugee Inclusion in Kenya*, brought together government officials, lawmakers, and stakeholders from the international community to discuss the critical issues surrounding the country’s refugee management system.
Hon. Peter Lochakapong, Chairperson of the Regional Development Committee, who chaired the forum, shared insights from a recent fact-finding mission to the Kakuma and Dadaab refugee camps. “Our visits to the camps provided critical insights that will inform the upcoming report, which is crucial for shaping future policy on refugee matters,” said Lochakapong.
A significant theme that emerged during the discussions was the increasing strain on host communities. For over three decades, these communities have shouldered the responsibility of hosting refugees without adequate support from either the government or international organizations. Local leaders, such as Hon. Khamis Chome (Voi) and Hon. Kazungu Tungule (Ganze), emphasized the need for a clear, inclusive refugee management policy. Chome advocated for a policy that clearly defines the roles of all stakeholders, while Tungule questioned why Kenya’s focus on refugee rights often overlooks the needs of its own citizens.
Garissa County Governor Nathif Adam highlighted the unique challenges faced by his county, which has hosted refugees for over 30 years. He pointed out that Garissa had provided land for refugees without compensation, resulting in environmental degradation and the over-exploitation of the shared Merti Aquifer. Governor Adam called for a national policy that addresses these issues comprehensively, especially as Kenya moves towards full implementation of the GISEDP integration plan.
Hon. Dekow Barrow (Garissa Township) echoed the concerns raised by local leaders, criticizing the international community’s limited support for host communities. “Our youth are suffering from a lack of jobs, and the presence of refugees is stretching our already limited resources. The international community can no longer sustain the refugee camps,” Barrow stated, referring to the deteriorating state of infrastructure, including the heavily damaged Garissa-Dadaab road.
Dr. Raymond Omollo, Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration, stressed the complexity of managing refugee populations and the need for a coordinated, multifaceted approach. “Managing refugees requires a balance between security, humanitarian needs, and regional cooperation,” he said.
The forum concluded with a set of recommendations from various stakeholders, including representatives from the Ministry of Lands, the Ministry of Interior, the Refugee Consortium of Kenya, and the World Food Program. These recommendations will contribute to the preparation of a comprehensive report by the Regional Development Committee, which will be presented to the National Assembly for further policy development.
The ongoing challenges in integrating refugees and addressing the needs of host communities are prompting calls for a more sustainable, inclusive approach to refugee management. The outcomes of this forum are expected to shape Kenya’s future policies, with an emphasis on ensuring equitable support for both refugees and the communities that host them.
As Kenya continues to host refugees from conflict-stricken neighboring countries, the pressure to find a balanced solution that protects the rights of refugees while supporting the socio-economic well-being of host communities has never been greater. The recommendations from this forum will play a critical role in guiding the country’s refugee policies in the years to come.
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