The government has announced plans to transform the Daadab and Kakuma refugee camps into integrated municipalities, under the Shirika Plan.
This plan, set to launch in November, will see the camps redesigned to favor mobility, freedom of movement, economic inclusion, and refugee participation in Kenya’s development processes.
The Shirika Plan will be jointly implemented by the government, respective county governments, the UN, and UNHCR, among other stakeholders.
It further aims to absorb the over 700,000 refugees residing in the camps into the host communities, providing them with access to enhanced socioeconomic investments such as schools, health facilities, roads, and modern markets.
PS Julius Bitok Gives Details of the Plan
Immigration PS Julius Bitok said that the necessary legal and regulatory framework was already in place, with the Refugee Act 2021 and the gazettement of relevant documents.
“The enactment of the Refugee Act 2021 gave us the foundation. We also have the gazettement of regulations to operationalize the Act,” he said.
“We have gazettement of documents used by refugees. The government has made a lot of progress in ensuring there is a legal and regulatory framework to support Shirika Plan,”
Also Read: Government to Resettle, Reintegrate Refugees
Gazetted Refugee Camps in Turkana & Garissa Counties
The plan’s implementation will be anchored by the Turkana and Garissa County governments, which have gazetted the camps as municipalities.
Also, the settlements will be restructured into modern urban centers with the requisite infrastructure, such as roads, water, sewer systems, and other necessities.
“The Shirika Plan National Steering Committee comprises the governors of Nairobi, Garissa, and Turkana, as well as at least 17 PSs from state departments critical to implementing refugee integration.”
The committee will oversee the plan’s implementation, ensuring that it is carried out effectively and efficiently.
Interior & Foreign Affairs PSs Give Their Remarks
The integration of refugees among host communities is expected to enhance local and national security, according to Interior PS Raymond Omollo.
“It represents an innovative approach to refugee camps into integrated settlements that support the social economic inclusion of refugees and host communities thereby enhancing national security and cohesion.”
His foreign affairs counterpart, Korir Sing Oei, praised the Shirika Plan recognizing the economic potential of refugees.
“We have embraced a paradigm shift that no longer views a refugee as a burden that should be repatriated as soon as possible.”
“Rather, we want to harness their skills and industry in ventures that are profitable to themselves and our country,” said PS Korir.
Turkana Governor Jeremiah Lomurakai welcomed the plan noting that it would address concerns that development partners concentrate on funding refugees at the expense of the host communities.
“There should be imperative balance when it comes to resource sharing. employment and many other things between the host community and refugees,” he said.
Also Read: Most East African refugees are Hosted Close to Borders – it’s a Deliberate War Strategy
Funding of the Plan
According to PS Bitok, the Shirika Plan is expected to cost $943 million (Ksh115.68) in its first phase, with funding to be mobilized from various partners and donors.
“This money will come from different partners and donors, including governments and the private sector.
“It will be channeled not only through the government but also through international NGOs, county governments, ministries, and departments such as the Ministry of Lands.”
Similarly, the UN Resident Coordinator in Kenya, Stephen Jackson, and Kenya’s Representative for UNHCR, Caroline van Buren, have pledged their support in the implementation of the Plan.
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