Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding the welfare of refugees in Kenya’s Dadaab, Kakuma, and Kalobeyei camps, despite growing concerns over aid cuts.
He spoke after a consultative meeting with ambassadors, high commissioners, and heads of financial institutions on the refugee situation in Kenya held at a Nairobi hotel.
Murkomen emphasized that ongoing humanitarian support would continue, easing fears of food rations in the camps.
The meeting also addressed security concerns following recent protests by refugees in Kakuma over dwindling resources.
Murkomen assured that the situation had been stabilized and that the government was working on a long-term solution under the Shirika Plan, a new policy initiative aimed at integrating refugees into Kenya’s socioeconomic fabric.
He said the commitment remains vital in easing the burden that Kenya carries by hosting refugees who now number more than 800,000.
“Public participation and fine-tuning of the legal and regulatory framework, which are crucial for the success of the Shirika Plan, are underway. Partners’ support in the innovative strategy and working closely with the host counties also hold the key to the successful rollout,” he stated.
He commended the US government for lifting the ban on humanitarian funding.
The envoys and other partners, on their part appreciated the government’s transformative Shirika Plan which seeks to integrate refugees in the daily economic life of the country, a move which will be beneficial not only to refugees but also the host communities and the country at large.
Present were ambassadors and high commissioners led by US Embassy Charge ď Áffaires and Chair Refugee Donor Group Amb. Marc D. Dillard. Others included the UN Resident Coordinator Dr Stephen Jackson and UNHCR Country Representative Caroline Van Buren.
The PS for Immigration and Citizen Services Prof Julius Bitok and other ministry officials were in attendance.
