Context
Refugees fleeing to Kenya from bordering countries stay primarily in Kakuma/Kalobeyei and Dadaab. Living conditions for both refugees and host communities are difficult: gaining access to jobs and income is not easy, power supply is erratic, and there have been instances of violent clashes within and between the groups.
The Government of Kenya has developed the Shirika Plan, which is based on the United Nations Global Compact on Refugees. There are, however, implementation problems. The Government needs support in improving living conditions with regard to income and employment, power supply and peaceful coexistence.
Objective
Living conditions have improved for refugees and host communities in the Dadaab refugee camp in Garissa County, and in the Kakuma refugee camp in Turkana County.
Approach
The project focuses on three thematic areas:
1. Together with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the project works to increase the income of refugees and host communities by providing vocational education, training and financial support for micro enterprises.
2. The project supports economic incentives for modern, energy-efficient cookstoves and installs small solar plants to ensure a stable power supply. This improves access to electricity for refugees and host communities.
3. The project supports the implementation of the Shirika Plan by providing financial and advisory inputs. The plan envisages the transformation of refugee camps into integrated settlements where refugees and host communities live side by side. To ensure the effective implementation of the Shirika Plan, UNHCR trains professionals and senior government officials, in addition to organising a publicity campaign to raise awareness of the plan.