Germany and Kenya Launch Three-Year Partnership to Transform Refugee Lives Through Economic Integration
Nairobi, 13 February 2026
A groundbreaking collaboration between Germany, Kenya, and UNHCR aims to shift refugee support from traditional aid dependency to sustainable economic inclusion. The three-year Shirika Plan implementation focuses on skills training, energy access, and institutional strengthening for both refugees and host communities. This marks a significant policy evolution, moving away from humanitarian assistance towards development-focused solutions that benefit Kenya’s long-term refugee population and local communities alike.
Partnership Details and Implementation Structure
The joint project launched on Friday, 13 February 2026, brings together the governments of Germany and Kenya alongside UNHCR to support Kenya’s Shirika Plan, which aims to strengthen the socio-economic inclusion of refugees and host communities [1]. The initiative will be jointly implemented by GIZ and UNHCR in partnership with Kenya’s Department of Refugee Services (DRS), establishing a structured framework for coordinated assistance [1]. This collaboration represents a fundamental shift from traditional humanitarian assistance towards development-focused approaches, addressing the needs of Kenya’s large refugee population, many of whom have resided in the country for decades [1].
Three-Year Focus Areas and Strategic Objectives
The three-year project concentrates on three critical areas: strengthening institutional capacities, expanding access to energy services, and providing comprehensive skills training [1]. These focus areas reflect a strategic approach to creating sustainable pathways for refugee self-reliance whilst simultaneously benefiting host communities. The Shirika Plan framework represents Kenya’s progressive policy evolution, moving away from aid dependency models towards economic participation and dignity-centred solutions [7]. This approach aligns with broader international recognition that refugee inclusion constitutes smart economics, creating real pathways to self-reliance instead of perpetual dependency [7].
International Commitment and Development Philosophy
Germany’s participation underscores its commitment to responsibility-sharing in addressing global displacement challenges. Ms. Tania Fabricius, Head of Division for Displaced Persons and Host Countries at the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, emphasised that Germany remains committed to supporting host countries in developing sustainable solutions that address the drivers of forced displacement, promote stability, and foster inclusive economic development [1]. This partnership reflects Germany’s broader priorities on displacement and migration, demonstrating how international cooperation can advance sustainable refugee integration [1].
Policy Translation and Private Sector Opportunities
Robin R. Ellis, Acting UNHCR Representative in Kenya, highlighted that the Shirika Plan marks a significant shift benefiting both refugees and host communities, with UNHCR working alongside government partners to translate policy commitments into tangible opportunities through strengthened systems, expanded service access, and self-reliance pathways [1]. The implementation recognises that whilst frameworks like the Shirika Plan create essential policy foundations, successful outcomes require active private sector engagement through refugee employment programmes, skills development initiatives, financial inclusion partnerships, supply chain integration, and entrepreneurship support [7]. Kenya’s approach demonstrates what becomes possible when refugee policy centres on dignity, inclusion, and economic participation, positioning the country as a model for refugee integration that other nations can emulate [7].