Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen convened a crisis meeting on Tuesday to address the impact of recent aid freezes and budget cuts by developed nations on humanitarian assistance programs for refugees.
Murkomen emphasized that the funding cuts have had an immediate and significant effect on Kenya’s ability to support over 800,000 refugees and asylum seekers.
The reduction in aid has already triggered unrest, with refugees in Kakuma, Turkana County, staging protests on Monday over reduced food rations from the World Food Programme (WFP), which now provides only 40% of the basic minimum ration. During the demonstrations, at least three refugees were shot and injured, while three police officers were also hurt in the clashes. Protesters blocked the main highway, citing cuts in food rations, school fees, and other essential support, prompting police intervention.
In a statement, Murkomen reiterated Kenya’s long-standing commitment to hosting refugees fleeing regional conflicts for over three decades.
“We bear the responsibility of providing healthcare, education, food, and security. With the developed world reducing humanitarian aid, the socio-economic strain on our country is overwhelming,” he stated. “Turning our backs on the most vulnerable goes against our core belief in shared humanity.”
Murkomen urged developed countries to uphold their financial obligations as Kenya continues to do its part. He noted that the crisis meeting brought together humanitarian aid partners to explore both medium- and long-term solutions for the anticipated funding shortfalls.
Kenya remains committed to enhancing humanitarian support, security, shelter, education, and refugee protection, particularly in Kakuma and Dadaab camps. In collaboration with donor groups and banking sector stakeholders, the government seeks to develop sustainable refugee management strategies.
According to Murkomen, integrating refugees into commercial activities will not only improve their livelihoods but also boost host communities and the national economy through job creation and economic growth.
“The meeting also focused on key policy and regulatory reforms in refugee identification and management, as part of our broader agenda to strengthen the socio-economic inclusion of both refugees and host communities,” he added.
Banking institutions participated in discussions on accelerating financial inclusion for refugees.
The meeting was led by United Nations Resident Coordinator in Kenya, Dr. Stephen Jackson, alongside representatives from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), World Food Programme (WFP), and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Also in attendance were Principal Secretary for Immigration and Citizen Services, Prof. Julius Bitok, and other senior ministry officials.
