New Guide Launched to Support Abuse Survivors in Kenyan Refugee Camps
Kakuma, 6 July 2026
The Refugee Consortium of Kenya has launched a vital guide to demystify complex legal and medical pathways, ensuring abuse survivors in Kakuma camp secure immediate protection.
Understanding the First Steps to Safety
The Refugee Consortium of Kenya (RCK) released its comprehensive guide on 8 June 2026 to help survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) in the Kakuma and Kalobeyei refugee settlements [1]. This guide is published in multiple languages, including Swahili and Somali, to make it accessible to as many refugees as possible within the camps [1][2]. The main goal of this initiative is to explain the complex legal, medical, and psychosocial steps that happen after someone reports an incident of abuse [1]. By making these steps clear, RCK aims to remove fear and help survivors feel safe and supported when they ask for help [1].
Understanding the First Steps to Safety
When an incident of gender-based violence occurs, the very first step is to seek immediate medical attention [1]. Survivors are advised to go to a health facility as quickly as possible, ideally within 72 hours of the incident [GPT]. This timeline is critical because it allows doctors to provide emergency medical treatment, such as medicines to prevent HIV and unwanted pregnancy, and to collect crucial medical evidence [GPT]. The medical examination is completely free of charge for survivors in the camp [GPT].
The Role of Police and the P3 Form
After receiving medical care, the next step in the process is to report the matter to the police [1]. When reporting, the survivor will receive a critical document known in Kenya as a P3 form [1]. The P3 form is an official police document that a medical officer must fill out to certify the state of the survivor’s injuries [1]. This form acts as the primary legal evidence of the assault when the case goes to court [1]. RCK’s guide helps survivors understand how to obtain and use this form without feeling overwhelmed by police procedures [1].
The Role of Police and the P3 Form
The eligibility for these services is universal within the Kakuma and Kalobeyei settlements; any refugee, asylum seeker, or member of the host community who has suffered abuse is eligible to receive support [1]. There are no strict deadlines for reporting abuse to the police, but survivors are strongly encouraged to do so as soon as possible to ensure that evidence is preserved and that they receive immediate protection [1][GPT]. RCK officers and partner organisations are available in the camps to accompany survivors through these steps, ensuring they are not alone [1].
Accessing Counselling and Safe Shelter
Beyond medical and legal aid, the guide highlights the importance of psychosocial support and counselling [1]. Experiencing violence can cause deep emotional and psychological trauma, and survivors require professional counselling to help them heal [1]. In Kakuma and Kalobeyei, counselling services are provided by trained psychologists and social workers within the camp’s safe spaces [1]. These services are confidential and designed to help survivors rebuild their lives in a secure environment [1].
Accessing Counselling and Safe Shelter
Ongoing protection is also a critical part of the response system [1]. If a survivor feels unsafe remaining in their current shelter, RCK and its partner agencies can arrange for temporary relocation to safe houses or secure zones within the camp [1]. This ensures that the survivor is protected from further harm or retaliation while their case is being investigated by the police and processed through the legal system [1]. This holistic approach ensures that medical, legal, and emotional needs are addressed together [1].
Broader Humanitarian Support and Community Resilience
The efforts by RCK to support vulnerable populations align with a broader network of humanitarian actions across Kenya [1][3]. For instance, on 5 July 2026, the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) North Rift Region joined the Kenya Red Cross for the ‘Power of Humanity Walk’ in Kapsowar Town, Elgeyo Marakwet County [3]. Held under the theme ‘Stepping Up for Community Resilience’, this event highlighted the collaboration between government bodies, community-based organisations, and first responders to build safer, more resilient communities and respond to emergencies [3]. Such collaborative efforts reflect the shared commitment of various Kenyan agencies to protect and support communities in times of crisis [1][3].
Broader Humanitarian Support and Community Resilience
In addition to formal legal and medical services, community-led initiatives in the camps play a vital role in raising awareness and addressing social issues [4]. For example, organisations like Story Matters Entertainment have conducted community video screenings in Kakuma 2, bringing young people together to watch locally produced videos that address important social issues [4]. These grassroots activities complement the legal and medical guidelines provided by RCK by encouraging dialogue, reducing stigma, and making it easier for survivors to come forward and access the help they need [1][4].