How Direct Cash Aid is Empowering Refugees in Kenya
Kakuma, 29 August 2026
UNHCR’s cash-based initiative in Kenya empowers refugees by delivering direct financial aid, allowing families to independently prioritise essential needs like shelter and education while boosting local economies.
Accessing the CBI Programme and Eligibility
To access the Cash-Based Interventions (CBI) programme in Kakuma Camp and the Kalobeyei Integrated Settlement, refugees and asylum-seekers must meet specific eligibility criteria managed by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) [1]. Eligibility for shelter grants is determined through detailed assessments conducted by UNHCR’s multi-functional team (MFT) [1]. For vulnerable, child-headed households, the process is managed through UNHCR’s child protection partner, Terre des Hommes (TDH) [1].
Tiered Shelter Grants and Construction Stages
The cash assistance provided for shelter construction is carefully tiered based on the size of the household to ensure adequate living space [1]. Households with 1 to 5 members are eligible for one standard shelter, while those with 6 to 10 members receive support for either one double shelter or two standard shelters [1]. Large households with 11 or more members qualify for a double shelter plus an additional standard shelter [1]. These grants are strictly restricted and must only be spent on building materials, labour, and latrine construction [1].
Navigating Banking Partners and Transaction Fees
To receive and withdraw these funds, UNHCR partners with Equity Bank and KCB Bank [1]. Each banking institution has a distinct fee structure that beneficiaries must navigate. For KCB Bank account holders, ATM withdrawals carry a charge of 30 KES, while transactions over the counter or at bank agents cost 100 KES [1]. However, the very first agent or over-the-counter withdrawal of up to 5,000 KES is free of charge, and direct Point of Sale (POS) purchases do not incur any fees [1].
Safeguarding Accounts and Preventing Fraud
It is vital for beneficiaries to keep their bank accounts active to avoid the loss of aid. If an account remains inactive for more than 6 months and the holder fails to attend Proof of Life exercises, the account may be deemed dormant [1]. In such cases, UNHCR may revert the remaining assistance funds, although account holders retain the right to appeal this decision [1]. Furthermore, due to funding constraints and population increases, some cash programmes, such as the hygiene programme in 2024, have previously been restricted to a 6-month duration [1].