UNHCR Kenya Expands Support for Vulnerable Refugees Through New Helpline Service
Nairobi, 7 May 2026
The UN refugee agency launches comprehensive assistance programmes targeting disabled, elderly, and LGBTI refugees in Kenya through a dedicated helpline (1517) and partner organisations. This initiative addresses heightened vulnerabilities these groups face, including increased susceptibility to abuse and limited access to essential services. The programme offers specialised support including psychosocial counselling, financial assistance, and assistive devices on a case-by-case basis, recognising that standard refugee services often fail to meet their specific protection needs within Kenya’s refugee communities.
How to Access Support Services
Refugees and asylum seekers with specific needs can access assistance by calling the UNHCR helpline at 1517 [1]. This toll-free number connects callers directly to UNHCR Kenya’s support system. Persons with specific needs include individuals with disabilities, older persons, and members of the LGBTI community [1]. These groups face particular challenges as their difficult living conditions heighten their susceptibility to abuse and exploitation whilst limiting their access to services, exposing them to heightened risks [1]. The helpline operates as the primary gateway to specialised services, ensuring vulnerable refugees can navigate Kenya’s protection system effectively.
Specialised Support for Disabled and Elderly Refugees
UNHCR provides specialised services through its partner organisations, including psychosocial support, counselling, financial assistance, and assistive devices on a case-by-case basis [1]. HIAS operates multiple offices across Nairobi to serve refugees with disabilities and older persons, including locations in Mimosa (Mbaruk Road, Off Muchai Drive, Off Ngong Road, Tel 0798531053), Eastleigh (Juja Road Estate House no 59, Tel 0773551853), Kayole (Nasra Garden Estate, next to Bee Centre, Tel 0700124857), and Kawangware (Off Naivasha road, near Skymatt Supermarket, Tel 0700124857) [1]. For refugees aged 70 years or over currently living and registered in Nairobi or Mombasa, UNHCR operates the 70+ Initiative - Urban Cash Transfer Programme [1]. Eligible individuals should contact UNHCR via the helpline on 1517 or email directly, and can register a caregiver or family member to support them by mentioning this when contacting UNHCR [1].
LGBTI Community Resources and Protection
Three key organisations provide dedicated support to LGBTI refugees in Kenya through partnerships with UNHCR [1]. HOYMAS Kenya (Health Options for Young Men on HIV/AIDS/STI), a community-based organisation based in Nairobi, offers promotion and safeguarding of human rights, access to safe space and healthcare services, organisational development and sustainability partnerships, empowerment of MSM/MSW community members, and security training to LGBTIQ+ individuals [1]. Contact HOYMAS at 0794590402 [1]. The National Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (NGLHRC) operates as an independent human rights institution working for legal and policy reforms towards equality and full inclusion of sexual and gender minorities in Kenya [1]. NGLHRC can be reached at 020 4400525, via email, or through their website at https://www.nglhrc.com/ [1]. The Gay and Lesbian Coalition of Kenya (GALCK+) serves as an umbrella organisation advocating for LGBTQI+ rights, providing counselling and legal aid whilst raising awareness through education, advocacy campaigns, and lobbying for law reform and anti-discrimination policies [1]. GALCK+ operates at +254 20 2426060, via email, or through their website at https://galck.org/ [1].
Timeline and Eligibility Requirements
The enhanced support services announced by UNHCR Kenya are available immediately as of May 2026 [GPT]. Eligibility criteria vary by programme: the 70+ Initiative requires individuals to be aged 70 years or over and currently living and registered in Nairobi or Mombasa [1]. Other support services are available to all persons with specific needs, including persons with disabilities, older persons, and members of the LGBTI community [1]. Refugees and asylum seekers can access these services without specific deadlines, as assistance is provided on a case-by-case basis [1]. [alert! ‘No specific launch date provided in sources - inferring from article context of May 2026’] The programme represents a comprehensive approach to addressing the particular vulnerabilities these groups face within Kenya’s refugee and asylum seeker communities.