The exact number of refugees in Kenya remains unknown since there is no proper database for those hosted in Kenya even as host communities struggle with inadequate resources.
Commissioner for Refugee Affairs, John Burugu has disclosed that the country’s current refugee database is managed solely by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), with data stored in Hungary.
Burugu told a forum on refugee affairs organized by the National Assembly’s Regional Development Committee in Mombasa, that the situation is dire as it also compromises on the security of the country.
“We are supposed to be the custodian of this database and while we are involved in processing it, we do so as data processors for a third-party organization. I want to assure this Committee that we are working with partners to develop a more accurate and localized refugee database for Kenya.” he explained. He further emphasized the uncertainty surrounding the accuracy of refugee numbers reported by the UNHCR.
“We cannot fully confirm that the numbers we receive from the UNHCR represent the actual refugee population in Kenya,” Burugu stated.
Forum theme
The forum, whose theme was “Strategic Approaches to Balancing Social Cohesion and Environmental sustainability in Refugee Inclusion in Kenya,” was chaired by Sigor MP Peter Lochakapong.
Lochakapong who is also the committee chairperson shared the results of a fact-finding mission to the Kakuma and Dadaab refugee camps.
Over the past two weeks, the committee assessed conditions for refugees, engaged with local stakeholders, and met with host communities to inform a report that will be presented to the National Assembly.
“During our visits to the camps and settlements, we interacted with both refugees and host communities to gather insights and the report we’re preparing will be crucial in shaping future policy on refugee matters.” Lochakapong said.
He expressed concern that Kenya had not conducted a comprehensive environmental, social, and political impact assessment despite hosting refugees for more than 30 years.
“Concerns raised by host communities include land disputes, environmental degradation, insecurity, lack of public participation in integration efforts, and the under attack.”
