Kakuma Refugees Gain New Routes to Canada and Beyond Through Expanded UN Programme
Kakuma, 12 February 2026
The UN refugee agency has launched comprehensive pathways enabling Kakuma and Kalobeyei camp residents to access third countries through education, employment, and family reunification. The programme includes immediate opportunities such as Canadian healthcare worker placements for qualified nurses and clinical officers, alongside the World University Service scholarship applications opening tomorrow for unmarried refugees aged 18-25. These initiatives represent a fundamental shift from traditional resettlement, offering refugees regulated avenues to rebuild lives whilst contributing skills to host countries willing to provide permanent protection solutions.
Five Pathways to Third Countries Now Available
The UNHCR complementary pathways programme in Kakuma offers refugees five distinct routes to international protection in third countries [1]. These include education opportunities through scholarship programmes, employment opportunities via labour mobility projects, family reunification for those with relatives abroad, private sponsorship arrangements, and humanitarian visas [1]. Unlike traditional resettlement, these pathways provide safe and regulated avenues for refugees to obtain lawful stay in third countries where their international protection needs are met [1]. Refugees seeking to access these opportunities must first update their family, education, and skills data with UNHCR and can schedule an appointment with the Department of Refugee Secretariat at Field Post 2 [1].
Canadian Healthcare Worker Programme Targets Qualified Professionals
RefugePoint, operating under Canada’s Economic Migration Pathways Programme, is conducting outreach for applications from recognised refugees in Kenya seeking healthcare opportunities in Canada [1]. The programme specifically targets nurses and clinical officers, requiring applicants to hold certificates, diplomas, or degrees in nursing, clinical medicine, or related healthcare fields [1]. Candidates must demonstrate at least two to three years of work experience as a nurse or clinical officer, with at least one year of working experience within the last five years [1]. Fluent English proficiency is mandatory for all applicants [1]. Successful candidates will have their profiles shared with potential employers in Canada, with the programme welcoming applications from both urban and camp-based refugees who possess valid documentation from Kenya’s Department of Refugee Services [1].
WUSC Scholarship Applications Open Tomorrow with Strict Eligibility
The World University Service of Canada Student Refugee Program will open applications on 13 February 2026, running until 6 March 2026 at 5:00 PM East Africa Time [2]. The programme targets unmarried refugees aged 18 to 25 years who have continuously resided in Kenya for at least three years [2]. Applicants must hold original UNHCR Proof of Registration and a Government of Kenya Refugee ID Card, alongside completed secondary school certificates and academic documents [2]. The scholarship requires candidates to be single with no children and demonstrate barriers to accessing undergraduate education in Kenya [2]. Applications must be submitted through the online form at https://forms.gle/gx97WkoMzHEC78tU8 [2]. The programme seeks self-reliant, mature individuals suitable for integration in Canada as independent students [2].
Kenya’s Economic Integration Model Attracts International Support
Kenya’s approach to refugee inclusion has gained recognition from UN High Commissioner Barham Salih during his recent visit, who witnessed the country’s transformative framework firsthand [5]. The Shirika Plan provides refugees with access to employment opportunities, education, healthcare, financial services, and pathways to self-reliance rather than creating dependency [5]. This model emphasises private sector involvement through employment programmes, skills development, financial partnerships, supply chain integration, and entrepreneurship support [5]. As Salih noted, the priority must be on ‘solutions that allow people to live in dignity and contribute to society’ [5]. The programme also includes partnerships with organisations like WUSC HIRES for additional labour mobility opportunities [1].