Kenya Opens New Routes for Refugees Beyond Traditional Resettlement
Nairobi, 12 March 2026
UNHCR Kenya has announced alternative pathways for refugees to reach third countries through education scholarships, family reunification, and labour mobility schemes. These complementary routes offer hope for thousands in Kakuma and Kalobeyei camps who don’t qualify for conventional resettlement but possess valuable skills or family connections abroad.
Understanding Complementary Pathways
Complementary pathways represent a significant expansion beyond traditional resettlement programmes, offering refugees safe and regulated routes to third countries where their international protection needs can be met [1]. These alternative admission routes include family reunification, labour mobility schemes, educational opportunities, humanitarian visas, and private sponsorship programmes [1]. Unlike conventional resettlement where UNHCR refers refugees directly, complementary pathways often involve sponsors who identify, select, and support the entry of displaced individuals without requiring UNHCR referral [1].
Eligibility and Kenya’s Role
Eligibility for complementary pathways varies significantly depending on the specific programme, with some accepting both recognised refugees and asylum-seekers, whilst others restrict participation to recognised refugees only [1]. A critical requirement for any refugee accepted into a complementary pathway is obtaining departure authorisation from the Government of Kenya [1]. Kenya typically issues departure authorisation only to recognised refugees, though asylum-seekers may receive approval on a case-by-case basis [1]. UNHCR Kenya commits to assisting those accepted for complementary pathways in securing the necessary authorisation to depart Kenya [1].
Educational Opportunities Through UNICORE
The University Corridors for Refugees (UNICORE) programme exemplifies educational complementary pathways currently available to Kenyan refugees. The UNICORE 8.0 project, running from 2026 to 2028, specifically promotes higher education opportunities for refugees from Kenya and twelve other countries to study in Italy [3]. The University of Naples L’Orientale is currently accepting applications from 2 March 2026 until 17 April 2026 for one study grant covering a Master’s degree programme for the academic years 2026/2027 and 2027/2028 [3]. The comprehensive scholarship package includes €8,500 annually before taxes (€6,500 after tax), tuition fee exemption, free Italian language courses, psychological support, accommodation, health insurance coverage, a laptop, and local transport pass [3].
Application Process and Timeline
Refugees seeking to access the UNICORE programme must meet specific criteria: recognition as a refugee registered in Kenya or other eligible countries, possession of a Bachelor’s degree obtained between 1 January 2021 and 16 April 2026, and a minimum Grade Point Average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale [3]. Applications must be submitted through the online portal by 17 April 2026 at 12:00 pm Italian time, followed by remote interviews in May-June 2026 for selected candidates [3]. The University of Naples L’Orientale will publish the list of admitted applicants by 8 June 2026, with the final announcement of the selected candidate scheduled for 22 June 2026 [3]. Selected candidates must confirm their acceptance within seven days of email notification [3].