In an effort to address the issues that have been causing unrest and protests among refugees in Kakuma, the government has endorsed the Shirika Plan.
The Shirika Plan is Kenya's new strategy to support refugees with a focus on long-term development rather than just providing temporary aid.
"In addressing refugee management, the Cabinet endorsed the Shirika Plan, a transformative framework shifting Kenya’s approach from humanitarian aid to a development-focused model," read part of the notice by the Cabinet on Tuesday, March 11.
In the plan, the Kenyan government seeks to integrate refugees into host communities. It also seeks to offer sustainable settlements where refugee camps will be transformed into areas with essential infrastructure like schools, hospitals, and housing.
"The plan seeks to integrate refugees into host communities by transforming camps into sustainable settlements equipped with essential infrastructure, resources, and economic opportunities," the statement continued.
Under the plan, refugees will also be given opportunities to work and contribute to the economy.
To ensure its implementation, the government will collaborate with various stakeholders, including the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), development partners, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and faith-based organisations.
The reforms come at a time of heightened tension in Kakuma, where refugees have been protesting for better living conditions and resources.
The demonstrations, which had rocked the camp for weeks, reached their peak on March 3, when the refugees brushed shoulders with the police as they tried to calm them down, a number of them were injured during the process.
The limited resources in the refugee camp have become evident after the United States paused foreign aid funding, which was assisting in supporting the refugees.
At the Kakuma refugee camp, home to around 800,000 people, asylum seekers protested in response to announced cuts in food rations due to funding shortages.
On his part, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen challenged developed countries to provide financial support to Kenya to enable it to sustain the stay of refugees in the country.
