Policy framework for refugee management in Kenya: an assessment of challenges, gaps, and options
Date
2022
Authors
Mwaluko, Judy Mboya
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Strathmore University
Abstract
Statistics on the level of integration for refugees are lacking, despite Kenya being signatory to the 1951 Convention that provided a legal framework for the integration of refugees in States party to the Convention. The statistics provide evidence that there are gaps in refugee management in Kenya which require further examination and empirical investigation. The overall aim of this study is to assess the challenges, gaps, and options for policy framework for refugee management in Kenya. The study sought to identify challenges facing the refugee management system in Kenya, to review the existing policy framework and identify the gaps for refugee management in Kenya, and to come up with clear policy recommendations for refugee management in Kenya. The research adopted the exploratory research design. This study was undertaken in Kakuma refugee camp and Kalobeyei Integrated Settlement. The focus of the study was refugees living in Kakuma and Kalobeyei Integrated Settlement. The data approach for this research was qualitative. The primary data collection tool for this study was an interview schedule. Data was analyzed in two phases; the first phase involved coding to look for themes and trends in the data. This was done through the Nvivo software version 12. The study found that refugee management is highly politicized as Kakuma and Kalobeyei camps therefore seem to have freehand on refugees in their soils regardless of the general provisions of the conventions. The study also found that there is inadequate protection space for asylum seekers and refugees. The study also established that the specific needs by the refugees are a challenge. The study found that there were gaps in policies such as there appeared to be no policies, guidelines or strategies that explicitly address refugee health. The study also established that the current encampment policy has a number of disturbing features, which affect the enjoyment of rights by refugees. The study concluded that today's refugee policy mainly consists of responding to crises as they happen rather than trying to prevent them and this does not make much sense as the refugee problem in Africa is indeed grave and appears to be worsening and, in practical terms a lot needs to be done. The research recommends that the bill must establish a more lenient basis for granting movement passes to Kenyan refugees. The research recommends that the Kenya government must administer services uniformly to refugees across the country.
Description
A Dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Public Policy and Management at Strathmore University