Refugees in Kenya Gain Legal Right to Register Businesses
Nairobi, 15 May 2026
The Refugee Consortium of Kenya has published groundbreaking guidance enabling refugees to legally register sole proprietorship businesses for the first time. This historic development allows displaced persons in settlements like Kakuma and Kalobeyei to formally establish enterprises, access banking services, and operate within Kenya’s regulatory framework. The initiative represents a significant shift towards economic inclusion, providing refugees with legitimate pathways to self-reliance and financial independence whilst contributing to local economies.
Legislative Framework Changes Support Business Registration
The business registration guidance emerges alongside significant legislative developments in Turkana County, where refugees comprise a substantial portion of the population. On 14 May 2026, the Refugee Consortium of Kenya (RCK) joined the County Assembly of Turkana in launching amended Standing Orders and the County Assembly’s Strategic Plan [1]. These amendments expanded the mandate of the Assembly’s Committee on Justice, Human Rights and Legal Affairs to include refugee affairs, formally renaming it the Committee on Justice, Human Rights, Legal and Refugee Affairs [1]. This institutional change reflects Kenya’s growing commitment to integrating refugee economic participation into formal governance structures.
Partnership Framework Enables Economic Integration
The business registration initiative operates within a broader collaborative framework involving multiple development partners. RCK has 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 [1]. The 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 and enhancing self-reliance [1]. Development partners including 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 participated in the 14 May launch event [1].
Implementation Timeline and Future Prospects
The County Assembly has begun implementing its Strategic Plan and the amended Standing Orders, with continued support from RCK and development partners [1]. Executive Director of RCK, Barlet Colly Jaji, reaffirmed the organisation’s long-standing commitment to supporting the Assembly’s efforts to champion inclusive governance, emphasising the importance of policies that recognise the dignity and contributions of displaced populations [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]. These developments position Kenya as a regional leader in refugee economic integration, potentially setting precedents for other host countries across East Africa [GPT].
Economic Impact and Self-Reliance Goals
The business registration guidance represents a fundamental shift from humanitarian assistance towards economic empowerment models that benefit both refugee and host communities. By enabling formal business registration, refugees can access banking services, enter into legal contracts, and scale their economic activities within Kenya’s regulatory framework [GPT]. The initiative supports the broader vision of Turkana County as a region where refugees and host communities thrive together, moving beyond traditional camp-based models towards integrated settlement approaches [1]. The partnership between RCK, county authorities, and international development partners demonstrates how coordinated policy reform can create sustainable pathways to self-reliance whilst strengthening local economies through increased formal economic participation.