Refugee policy in the horn of Africa : what can development partners learn from Kenya’s policy change?

Abstract

Recent evolutions in refugee policy, diverging markedly from previous governmental strategies in the country, make Kenya a compelling case. Its refugee policy has transformed over time in response to evolving security threats, regional geo-political dynamics, and strategic interests. Hence, over the years the country has moved from a policy of integration to an encampment policy and now back to a policy enhancing the inclusion of refugees into national systems, granting broader access to services under the framework agreed in the Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework (CRRF). This policy brief provides an overview of the refugee policy shift in the country, shares examples of programmes developed as a result of policy transformation, and provides recommendations based on lessons learned from this process. With its recommendations, this brief delineates a strategic framework for development agencies to work in supporting African States hosting growing refugee populations by: (1) clearly presenting the socioeconomic benefits of implementing the CRRF in terms of promoting self-reliance not only for refugees, but also for local communities and the national economies of host countries; (2) maintaining support for host countries’ efforts to engender self-reliance for refugees and commend host countries that implement CRRF; (3) considering the insights from Kenya in addressing contextual issues in other host countries that will agree to implement the CRRF; (4) providing sustained financial contributions under responsibility sharing, which would provide more incentives for host countries to remain committed to implementing the CRRF.