New Guide Explains Legal and Medical Support for Abuse Survivors in Kenyan Refugee Camps
Kakuma, 1 September 2026
The Refugee Consortium of Kenya has launched a vital guide for Kakuma camp survivors, detailing how to safely access medical care, legal aid, and counselling services.
Immediate Steps: Crucial Medical and Psychological Care
When an incident of gender-based violence (GBV) occurs, the immediate priority is securing the physical and psychological well-being of the survivor [1]. The guide published by the Refugee Consortium of Kenya (RCK) outlines a clear, step-by-step referral pathway designed specifically for refugees residing in the Kakuma and Kalobeyei camps [1]. Survivors are strongly advised to seek medical treatment as the very first step [1]. To prevent sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancies, medical services must ideally be accessed within a strict 72-hour window following the incident [GPT]. These life-saving medical services are available to all refugees within the camps, with no eligibility restrictions or fees [1].
Accessing Emotional Support and Counselling
Alongside physical care, the recovery pathway heavily emphasises psychosocial counselling to help survivors process trauma [1]. The RCK guide details how survivors can access professional counsellors who provide confidential, safe spaces to speak [1]. This service is crucial for rebuilding emotional resilience in an environment where displaced populations already face high levels of stress and vulnerability [1]. Counselling is open to all survivors, including women, men, and children, ensuring that mental health support is inclusive and readily accessible [1].
Navigating the Legal System and Protection Services
Demystifying the justice system is a central goal of the RCK’s initiative, as many refugees find legal procedures in a foreign country complex and intimidating [1]. Through the guide, survivors can learn how to report incidents to the police and secure professional legal representation [1]. RCK provides direct legal aid to guide survivors through court processes, ensuring their rights are protected under Kenyan law [1]. This structured legal support is vital for holding perpetrators accountable and fostering a safer community within the Kakuma refugee camp, which hosts over 310,000 refugees [2].
Practical Access and Contact Information
To access these protection and legal services, survivors or their guardians can directly approach RCK offices or partner humanitarian desks located throughout the Kakuma and Kalobeyei camps [1]. There are no deadlines for reporting GBV or seeking legal and psychological support, meaning survivors can come forward at any time [1]. However, immediate reporting is always encouraged to preserve crucial legal evidence and ensure timely medical intervention [GPT]. By providing clear, simple instructions, RCK aims to break down barriers to justice and ensure that every survivor knows exactly where to turn for help [1].