Refugees in Kenya Urged to Collect Official Identity Cards
Kakuma, 12 September 2026
The UNHCR urges refugees in Kenya to collect their official identity cards from government offices this September, highlighting a toll-free helpline to secure vital legal protection.
Understanding the Role of the DRS
In Kenya, the Department of Refugee Services (DRS) is the government body responsible for coordinating protection and assistance for refugees [1]. Operating under the Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government, the DRS is responsible for processing and deciding on all asylum applications, as well as issuing official identification cards to eligible refugees and asylum seekers [1]. For individuals who have already submitted their applications, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) advises visiting their local DRS office in person to verify the status of their Refugee ID card and collect the physical document once it is ready [1].
Navigating DRS Office Locations Across Kenya
To make this process as straightforward as possible, the DRS maintains multiple physical offices across Kenya where individuals can check their application status or pick up their cards [1]. These locations include dedicated offices in Kakuma and Dadaab, as well as regional offices in key urban areas [1]. In Nairobi, the office is situated at Manga House on Kiambere Road in Upper Hill [1]. In Mombasa, the transit office is located behind Nyali Cinemax in the Mombasa Mkomani Area along Fidel Odinga Road [1]. For those in the Rift Valley and western regions, offices are available in Nakuru at the Kiamunyi Farming Systems of Kenya Building, and in Eldoret at the Public Works Building next to immigration on Oloo Street [1].
Eligibility Criteria for Seeking Asylum
The process of securing legal protection in Kenya is open to individuals who face severe safety risks in their home countries [1]. Under official guidelines, you can apply for asylum if you cannot return to your country of origin—or your country of previous residence if you are stateless—due to a well-founded fear of serious harm [1]. This danger must be linked to your race, religion, nationality, political opinion, sex, or membership in a specific social group [1]. Additionally, individuals fleeing active warfare or events that seriously disrupt public order in their home nations are eligible to seek asylum through the DRS [1].
Accessing Helpline Support and Lost Documents
For refugees and asylum seekers who have lost their official proof of registration, or those who have urgent questions regarding their legal status, immediate support is available [1]. The UNHCR has established a dedicated, toll-free telephone helpline at 1517, which can be called free of charge within Kenya [1]. Alternatively, individuals can reach out via email at helpline.kenya@unhcr.org to receive direct guidance on recovering lost documentation or resolving protection queries [1].