UN agency praises Kenya's efforts to integrate refugees in Kakuma camp

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees visited the Kakuma refugee camp in north-west Kenya on Mon, Oct 2, 2023, to review integration efforts undertaken by the host country. Kakuma, established in 1992, accommodates individuals fleeing conflicts from nations such as South Sudan, Ethiopia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Barham Salih praised the camp as an exemplar of inclusion and generosity. He emphasized the significance of moving refugees beyond dependency on humanitarian aid, describing the camp as a model for sustainable solutions.

In April 2025, Kakuma was redesignated as a municipality. This transition will eventually place its management under local government officials, although it remains under United Nations oversight for now.

During his visit, Salih commended Kenya's initiatives to integrate refugees into local services, particularly highlighting health facilities and schools. He underscored the importance of enabling refugees to become productive members of society, emphasizing that fostering dependency violates their basic human rights and dignity.

Following his visit to Kakuma, Salih plans to visit refugee camps in Chad. The purpose of these visits is to assess the situation and engage with Chad's national leadership to explore potential assistance opportunities.

Based on reporting by Africanews.