Kenya Urged to Turn Progressive Refugee Laws into Daily Reality
Nairobi, 1 September 2026
The Refugee Consortium of Kenya has urged the government to bridge the gap between progressive laws and the bureaucratic hurdles still restricting refugees’ economic integration and movement.
The Gap Between Policy and Practice
In June 2026, the Refugee Consortium of Kenya (RCK) emphasised the urgent need for the Kenyan government to align its progressive legal frameworks with the practical, daily realities of displaced populations [1]. Despite the enactment of the landmark Refugee Act of 2021, which theoretically grants refugees greater freedom of movement and integration, administrative delays continue to hinder progress on the ground [1][GPT]. These bureaucratic bottlenecks prevent thousands of displaced individuals from transitioning from humanitarian dependency to active economic participation [1].
Localised Challenges in Kakuma and Kalobeyei
The operational realities on the ground differ significantly between the Kakuma camp and the Kalobeyei Integrated Settlement [GPT]. While Kalobeyei was specifically established to foster socio-economic integration and shared market systems between refugees and host communities, administrative barriers still limit its ultimate potential [1][GPT]. In contrast, the older Kakuma camp continues to face structural restrictions on movement and trade, highlighting the uneven implementation of national policies across different jurisdictions [1][GPT].
Unlocking Economic Potential Through Documentation
A primary obstacle to integration is the slow issuance of official identification and travel documents, which restricts refugees in Kakuma, Kalobeyei, and Dadaab from accessing formal financial services and registering businesses [1][GPT]. RCK, which appointed Barlet Colly Jaji as its Executive Director to lead its legal aid and advocacy missions, has consistently pushed for administrative reforms to resolve these documentation backlogs [1][2]. By streamlining these processes, Kenya could unlock substantial local economic development, turning refugee-hosting regions into vibrant commercial hubs [1][GPT].