Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen on Friday hosted United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Kenya Representative Caroline Van Buren for discussions on key refugee issues, including security in camps and the development of a national refugee database. The meeting marked another step in Kenya’s commitment to improving the welfare of refugees and addressing statelessness within its borders.
Murkomen, through a statement on X, highlighted that their discussions focused on strengthening joint programs between Kenya and UNHCR. These programs include enhancing security in refugee camps and host communities, as well as creating a comprehensive database to manage refugee populations effectively.
Additionally, the two leaders discussed the recognition of stateless individuals in Kenya and the upcoming implementation of the Shirika Plan. The Shirika Plan is a government-led initiative aimed at improving the socio-economic integration of refugees and their host communities. Through this initiative, the Kenyan government seeks to ensure that displaced persons have access to economic opportunities and essential services, thus promoting self-reliance.
Kenya has long been a sanctuary for those fleeing conflicts in the Eastern Africa region. Murkomen reaffirmed the country’s commitment to maintaining this legacy, emphasizing Kenya’s political stability and peace as key factors that make it a preferred refuge. The government continues to work closely with international agencies like UNHCR to refine policies and ensure that refugees and stateless persons receive appropriate legal recognition and support.
Last year, UNHCR commended Kenya for its significant strides in tackling statelessness. In alignment with international and regional treaties, the Kenyan government has been taking proactive steps to ensure that every individual has a recognized nationality. One of the key achievements in this effort was the African Union’s adoption of the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which aims to eradicate statelessness and protect nomadic populations. However, for the protocol to take full effect, it must be ratified by at least 15 African Union member states, with Kenya expected to play a crucial role in this regional initiative.
Domestically, Kenya has made notable progress in policy reforms, working alongside UNHCR to propose amendments to the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act. These legal amendments aim to create clear pathways for stateless individuals to gain recognition and citizenship, addressing long-standing challenges faced by these vulnerable groups.
The meeting between Murkomen and Van Buren underscores Kenya’s commitment to humanitarian efforts, reinforcing the nation’s leadership role in refugee protection and regional stability. As the country continues to refine its policies and strengthen collaborations with UNHCR, the future looks promising for refugees and stateless individuals seeking security and inclusion in Kenya.
