Turkana County Makes History by Formally Including Refugee Affairs in Legislative Framework
Nairobi, 22 April 2026
Turkana County Assembly has become the first in Kenya to formally integrate refugee affairs into its legislative structure, expanding its Justice Committee’s mandate to include refugee matters. This groundbreaking amendment to the Assembly’s Standing Orders creates institutional recognition for refugees in county governance, potentially affecting hundreds of thousands of displaced persons in Kakuma and Kalobeyei settlements. The Refugee Consortium of Kenya played a pivotal role in developing these changes, working alongside international partners including UNHCR, UNICEF, and Danish development agencies. This historic shift establishes a new model for refugee inclusion in local governance across Kenya, moving beyond humanitarian aid towards formal political representation and policy influence at the county level.
Building on Previous Employment Initiatives
This legislative milestone builds upon earlier efforts to improve refugee employment opportunities in Kenya. In a previous initiative, the Refugee Consortium of Kenya unveiled a comprehensive employment toolkit aimed at helping refugees secure work across the country, with particular emphasis on empowering women and girls [GPT]. The toolkit addressed critical employment barriers faced by displaced populations in settlements like Kakuma and Kalobeyei, offering practical guidance for both employers and job-seekers through sustainable employment pathways [GPT]. This new legislative framework represents a significant escalation from employment support tools to formal political representation and institutional recognition within county governance structures.
Historic Legislative Changes Transform Refugee Representation
The County Assembly of Turkana has formally amended its Standing Orders to expand the mandate of the Committee on Justice, Human Rights and Legal Affairs to include refugee affairs, renaming it the Committee on Justice, Human Rights, Legal and Refugee Affairs [1]. This historic change marks the first time a Kenyan county has formally integrated refugee affairs into its legislative framework, reflecting what officials describe as the Assembly’s strong commitment to inclusivity, accountability, and progressive governance [1]. The Refugee Consortium of Kenya worked closely with the Assembly under an existing Letter of Agreement, alongside partners including VNG International, Regional Durable Solutions Secretariat (ReDSS), and Inkomoko, providing technical, legal, and policy support throughout the amendment process [1].
International Partnership Supports Governance Reform
The amendments reflect a shared commitment between RCK, the County Assembly, and multiple development partners to build systems that promote accountability, protection, and participation for all communities living in Turkana [1]. This work complements the ongoing Inclusive Refugee Response Programme (IRRP), supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark and implemented by RCK and partners, which supports both the National Government and Turkana County Government in expanding access to basic social services, enhancing self-reliance, and strengthening peaceful coexistence [1]. Partners present at the launch event included UNICEF, VNG International, DANIDA, UNHCR, Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS), Regional Durable Solutions Secretariat (ReDSS), the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office, and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands [1].
Leadership Commitment to Inclusive Governance
RCK Executive Director Mr Barlet Colly Jaji reaffirmed the organisation’s long-standing commitment to supporting the Assembly’s efforts to champion inclusive governance during his address to Assembly Members [1]. He emphasised the importance of policies that recognise the dignity and contributions of displaced populations and applauded the Assembly for its leadership in including refugee affairs within county structures [1]. The Rt Honourable Speaker Charles Lokioto recognised RCK’s invaluable role in shaping the Assembly’s institutional growth and legislative reforms, noting that the changes respond to emerging governance needs and uphold the principles of public participation and inclusion embedded in the Kenyan Constitution [1]. This institutional transformation occurs against a backdrop of broader challenges facing the humanitarian sector, with NGOs and charity firms cutting expatriate jobs to a five-year low due to funding challenges for projects in Kenya [2].