New Legal Guide Helps Refugees Register Businesses in Kenya
Kakuma, 5 September 2026
The Refugee Consortium of Kenya has launched a step-by-step legal guide, enabling refugee entrepreneurs to formalise sole proprietorships and legally secure their livelihoods across the country.
Empowering Refugee Entrepreneurs through Legal Formalisation
The Refugee Consortium of Kenya (RCK) published this comprehensive step-by-step guide on 5 March 2026 [1]. The new resource provides clear, accessible pathways for refugees residing in Kakuma, Kalobeyei, and various urban areas across Kenya to transition their businesses into the formal economy [GPT]. By formalising their sole proprietorships, refugee entrepreneurs can protect their investments, access formal financial services, and operate securely within the Kenyan legal framework, reducing the risk of arbitrary closures or legal disputes [GPT].
Key Requirements and Step-by-Step Registration Process
To register a sole proprietorship, applicants must navigate key statutory requirements established under Kenyan law [GPT]. According to the framework supported by RCK, refugee entrepreneurs must possess valid identification documents, such as a refugee identity card or proof of registration issued by the Department of Refugee Services (DRS) [GPT]. The process typically begins with conducting a business name search and registration through the government’s online portal, eCitizen, which serves as the primary gateway for business formalisation in Kenya [GPT].
Supporting Livelihoods and Economic Integration
This legal guide comes as part of ongoing efforts to align local practices with the Refugees Act, 2021, which aims to enhance the socio-economic inclusion of displaced populations in Kenya [2]. By establishing formal sole proprietorships, refugees in major settlements and urban centres can actively contribute to the local economy, create employment opportunities, and reduce their reliance on humanitarian aid [GPT]. This formalisation not only secures individual livelihoods but also fosters stronger economic integration with Kenyan host communities [GPT].