The Kenyan government has announced plans to develop its own national database for refugees, a move aimed at improving service access and strengthening national security. Currently, the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) exclusively manages the database of all refugees in Kenya. However, authorities believe that having a localized system will provide real-time data, facilitating better planning and integration with other government systems.
Speaking at a roundtable meeting with ambassadors and other stakeholders on the implementation of the Shirika Plan, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen stated that as of February 2025, Kenya is hosting 829,211 refugees. He highlighted the need for a government-owned database that would be interoperable with other state systems to enhance service delivery and security management.
The decision to establish a national refugee database follows concerns raised during a high-level forum on refugee affairs in Mombasa in November 2024. Commissioner for Refugee Affairs John Burugu revealed that Kenya’s refugee database, currently managed by the UNHCR, is stored in Hungary. Burugu emphasized the need for Kenya to be the custodian of its own refugee data, citing concerns over the accuracy of the figures provided by the UNHCR.
“We are supposed to be the custodians of this database, yet we only act as data processors for a third-party organization,” Burugu stated. “We cannot fully confirm that the numbers we receive from the UNHCR represent the actual refugee population in Kenya.”
Murkomen also noted that the government is working to fully integrate refugees into the financial ecosystem, which is essential for achieving self-reliance. He announced that upcoming SIM card regulations will recognize refugee ID as an official document for accessing mobile money services. Additionally, amendments to the Anti-Money Laundering and Proceeds of Crimes Act will include refugee ID as a Know Your Customer (KYC) document for banking services.
Under the Shirika Plan, refugees will be absorbed into municipalities within host communities, benefiting from enhanced socio-economic investments such as schools, healthcare, and infrastructure. The first phase of the four-year project is estimated to cost $943 million (Sh115.6 billion).
This development comes amid growing challenges for refugees in Kenya, including reduced food rations. Protests erupted at the Kakuma refugee camp last week over food rations declining from 65% in 2023 to a projected 20% by mid-2025. Despite their intended temporary stay, refugees in Kenya have remained for over 35 years, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable solutions.
