UN Launches Direct Cash Support Programme for Kakuma and Kalobeyei Refugees
Kakuma, 22 May 2026
UNHCR’s new cash assistance initiative marks a fundamental shift from traditional aid distribution, enabling refugees to prioritise their own spending decisions on essentials like food and shelter.
Five Distinct Cash Grant Categories
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees operates its Cash-Based Interventions programme through strategic partnerships with local financial institutions, distributing five different cash grants to refugees and asylum-seekers [1]. In Kalobeyei Settlement, UNHCR works with Equity Bank, whilst Kakuma Camp residents receive assistance through KCB Bank [1]. This dual-banking approach ensures comprehensive coverage across both refugee locations, allowing beneficiaries to access funds through established financial networks that understand local conditions and requirements.
Shelter Construction Funding Structure
Standard shelter construction costs vary depending on materials chosen: timber and iron sheet combinations total KES 153,500, whilst timber-only constructions reach KES 163,840 [1]. Double shelters using timber cost significantly more at KES 280,900, reflecting the increased materials and labour required for larger family accommodations [1]. Additional iron sheets are available at KES 1,266 each, with standard shelters accommodating 1-18 additional sheets and double shelters supporting 1-36 extra sheets [1]. All shelter grants are disbursed across three carefully structured instalments to ensure proper fund utilisation and construction progress monitoring.
Essential Services and Access Requirements
Beyond shelter support, the programme addresses basic sanitation needs through cash for latrine construction, disbursed in two instalments totalling KES 24,500 [1]. Recipients receive KES 5,500 alongside the shelter’s first instalment and KES 19,000 with the second shelter payment [1]. For hygiene items, monthly transfer values are calculated based on local market prices, specifically using the cost of an 8-pack sanitary pad at KES 100 as the baseline [1]. This market-responsive approach ensures assistance remains relevant to actual local costs and inflation.
Banking Costs and Anti-Fraud Measures
Transaction costs vary between banking partners, affecting how much assistance refugees actually receive. KCB offers the first withdrawal free up to KES 5,000 at bank agents or over the counter, but subsequent withdrawals attract a KES 100 fee, whilst ATM withdrawals cost KES 30 [1]. Direct purchases through point-of-sale systems remain free [1]. Equity Bank provides free direct purchases via POS, but ATM withdrawals cost KES 36, over-the-counter withdrawals range from KES 120-180, and agent withdrawals cost between KES 30-270, though the second agent withdrawal is free [1]. To offset these costs, households using Equity Bank receive an additional KES 30 per UNHCR transfer to cover the first agent withdrawal [1].