Kenya is grappling with an escalating refugee crisis, exacerbated by ongoing conflicts in neighboring countries, particularly South Sudan, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). As regional instability deepens, Kenya is becoming a critical host for refugees fleeing violence and insecurity.
The situation in South Sudan has raised particular concern. The recent violence, which erupted in March 2025 when the White Army militia overran South Sudanese military barracks, has already displaced over 63,000 people. South Sudan’s government forces have responded with retaliatory aerial bombings, causing significant casualties, particularly among civilians. With political tensions mounting, there are fears that South Sudan could slide back into civil war, undermining the hard-won peace since the 2013-2018 conflict.
Kenya, which has long hosted refugees from Somalia, South Sudan, and the region, is now witnessing an influx of new arrivals. Prime CS Musalia Mudavadi recently reported that the country is receiving at least 20 refugees a day from South Sudan, signaling the early stages of another refugee crisis. As of February 2025, Kenya is home to over 836,000 refugees, with the majority coming from Somalia (327,789) and South Sudan (195,949), and an increasing number from the DRC due to ongoing violence.
Kenya’s refugee camps, primarily in Dadaab and Kakuma, have been in operation for over 36 years, with some refugees born in the camps and unsure of their future. The government is under pressure to balance its international obligations with the growing strain on local resources and security. The situation has been further complicated by the activities of al-Shabaab in Somalia and sporadic attacks along the Ethiopia-Kenya border.
To address these challenges, President William Ruto launched the Shirika Plan, aiming to integrate refugees into host communities. This initiative seeks to reduce dependency on humanitarian aid and foster sustainable development, though concerns remain about the burden on local communities.
As regional conflicts continue to spill over, Kenya’s security, humanitarian efforts, and regional diplomacy are increasingly under strain. The country’s response will be critical to managing both the refugee crisis and the broader regional instability.
