On Thursday July 11, the Kenyan government initiated a groundbreaking process to integrate more than 700,000 refugees from the Kakuma and Dadaab camps with neighboring communities.
Meeting with MPs and Senators from Turkana and Garissa
The decision to proceed with this large-scale integration was reached during a high-level meeting that brought together members of both the Senate and National Assembly representing Turkana and Garissa counties, where these refugee camps are located.
The primary focus of the gathering was to deliberate on the conceptualization and implementation of the ambitious Shirika Plan, a comprehensive strategy designed to transform existing refugee camps into integrated settlements.
The Directorate of Refugees, which convened this crucial meeting, emphasized the importance of discussing the modalities of the proposed social-economic integration.
They stated, “We had an insightful Day One of discussions with the National Assembly and the Senate MPs from Turkana and Garissa counties on the conceptualization and implementation of the Shirika Plan.” The directorate further elaborated, “The retreat convened to discuss the proposed social-economic integration of over 700,000 refugees in Kakuma and Dadaab camps with host communities.”
UN Expresses Support for the Initiative
The United Nations has expressed strong support for this initiative, stating that the transition of refugees into integrated settlements is aimed at “promoting the socio-economic inclusion of refugees and bringing additional support to other Kenyan communities.” This approach aligns with global efforts to find sustainable solutions for long-term refugee situations.
In previous discussions on refugee integration, the Kenyan government had pledged its commitment to fostering an environment conducive to the socio economic inclusion of refugees.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) provided insight into the collaborative nature of this initiative, stating,
“The Plan is being prepared using a multi-stakeholder consultative approach and is based on the integrated area-based settlement plans supporting the local economic development.” To ensure effective implementation, the UNHCR added, “A Steering Committee and a multi-stakeholder Technical Committee will guide the Shirika Plan Secretariat that has been formed to lead the development of the Plan.”
