Refugees in Kenya Urged to Collect Ready Official Identity Cards
Kakuma, 31 July 2026
The UN Refugee Agency and Kenyan authorities are urging refugees to collect their printed identity cards, which are essential for accessing food rations, healthcare, and vital services.
Why the Refugee ID Card Matters
In July 2026, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) in Kenya advised refugees residing in Kakuma and Kalobeyei to visit their local Department of Refugee Services (DRS) offices to check the status of and collect their printed Refugee ID cards [1]. Holding a valid physical identification card is critical for daily life and security, as these documents are essential for accessing food rations, securing healthcare services, and obtaining movement passes within Turkana County [1]. Without these official cards, displaced individuals face significant barriers to receiving basic humanitarian aid and moving safely [1].
Eligibility Criteria for Seeking Asylum
To qualify for these identity documents, individuals must first be registered as asylum seekers or refugees. Under Kenyan guidelines, any person who is afraid to return to their country of origin—or country of previous residence if they are stateless—due to a fear of suffering serious harm can apply for asylum [1]. This threat of harm must be linked to specific grounds, including race, religion, nationality, political opinion, sex, or membership in a particular social group [1]. Furthermore, individuals fleeing active war or events that seriously disturb public order in their home nations are also fully eligible to seek protection in Kenya [1].
How to Access Services and Collect Your ID Card
For refugees who have already applied for their Refugee ID cards, the collection process is straightforward. Applicants must physically approach the DRS office in their current location to check if their card has been printed and is ready for collection [1]. The DRS, which operates under the Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government, is the sole authority responsible for processing asylum decisions and issuing these official identification cards in Kenya [1]. While there is no specific deadline specified for collection, authorities urge refugees to obtain their cards promptly to avoid disruptions in service delivery [1][GPT].
Support for Lost Documents and Registration Queries
For refugees who have lost their proof of registration or have urgent questions regarding their asylum status, the UNHCR has provided dedicated communication channels [1]. Displaced persons can reach out for assistance by calling the toll-free telephone helpline at 1517 [1]. Alternatively, inquiries can be submitted via email to helpline.kenya@unhcr.org to resolve registration issues without needing to travel immediately to an office [1].
Finding Your Nearest DRS Office
The DRS maintains several regional offices across Kenya to ensure services are accessible to those in both camps and urban areas [1]. Offices are located in Kakuma, Dadaab, and Nairobi on Ambira Road [1]. For those living in other regions, offices can be found in Mombasa opposite St. Mary’s Academy in the Bombolulu estate, in Eldoret at the Public Works Building next to immigration on Oloo Street, and in Nakuru at the Farming Systems of Kenya Building on Kabarak Road, Kiamunyi [1].