Kenyan Organisation Wins Major Grant to Study Refugee Data Privacy Under Government Integration Plan
Nairobi, 17 April 2026
A Kenyan civil society group has secured USD 320,000 to examine how refugee personal data is collected and shared under the Shirika Plan. This groundbreaking research addresses critical privacy concerns for thousands of refugees in Kakuma and Kalobeyei settlements, where multiple agencies implement integration programmes that require extensive data sharing across borders.
CIPESA Awards Largest Digital Rights Grant Distribution
The Collaboration on International ICT Policy in East and Southern Africa (CIPESA) announced on 17 April 2026 its largest funding distribution to date, awarding USD 320,000 through the Africa Digital Rights Fund (ADRF) to 18 initiatives across 14 African countries [1]. This tenth funding round brings the total amount CIPESA has disbursed under the ADRF to USD 1.3 million since the fund’s launch in 2019 [1]. The grants aim to advance digital rights, inclusion, online safety, responsible data governance, accessibility for persons with disabilities, counter Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence, and support digital equity for refugees [1].
Overwhelming Response Reflects Funding Gap
The current funding round received 430 applications, demonstrating significant demand for digital rights support across the continent [1]. Dr. Wairagala Wakabi, CIPESA’s Executive Director, noted that “the overwhelming number of applications received in this round reflects the changing funding landscape for digital rights and democracy in Africa” [1]. The fund has expanded its geographical reach into Guinea, Liberia, Madagascar, and new beneficiary groups including youths, migrants, and a National Human Rights Institute [1]. Previous rounds received substantially fewer applications, with rounds eight, seven, six and five receiving 130, 280, 283 and 120 applications respectively in May 2024, January 2024, June 2022 and August 2021 [1].
Kenya’s Shirika Plan Gains Support Amid Implementation Challenges
The Kenyan government’s Shirika Plan, which promotes refugee inclusion and settlement, has been receiving support from various stakeholders as it approaches its first anniversary in March 2026 [6]. Dr. John Erus, Deputy Governor of Turkana County, recently called for counties to support the Shirika Plan to ensure its success, highlighting the need for local government cooperation in implementation [2]. The plan is particularly relevant for refugees in Kakuma and Kalobeyei settlements, where multiple agencies are implementing integration programmes that require extensive data collection and sharing practices [4].
Practical Implementation Shows Promise in Turkana County
Recent developments in Turkana County demonstrate how the Shirika Plan is being operationalised at the local level. On 15 April 2026, Fresh Life Sanitation Services Ltd and Atoo Kakuma Usafi Company Ltd signed a long-term distributorship agreement to scale up sustainable sanitation solutions across Turkana County, specifically targeting Kakuma Refugee Camp, Kalobeyei Integrated Settlement, and surrounding communities [4]. This agreement, facilitated by Swisscontact under the Climate Proofing WASH Services Project, aligns with Kenya’s Shirika Plan and demonstrates the practical integration of refugee and host community services [4]. Since the CP WASH initiative began less than a year ago, 57 Urine Diversion Dry Toilets have been installed across Kakuma, with 37 entrepreneurs now involved in installation, servicing, and waste management, whilst over 200 women earn income supplying biomass [4].