Kenya Streamlines Refugee Documentation Process Through New UNHCR Guidance
Nairobi, 7 May 2026
UNHCR Kenya has issued comprehensive guidance to simplify asylum applications and refugee ID card collection, addressing documentation challenges faced by thousands in camps like Kakuma and Kalobeyei. The initiative provides clear procedures for lost registration proof and establishes dedicated helplines, whilst the Department of Refugee Services maintains offices across six key locations including Nairobi, Mombasa, and Dadaab to process applications and issue identification cards for asylum seekers and refugees.
Eligibility Criteria and Application Process
Individuals seeking asylum in Kenya must meet specific criteria established by international and national law. According to UNHCR Kenya’s guidance, asylum applications are available for those who fear returning to their country of origin or previous residence due to danger of serious harm related to race, religion, nationality, political opinion, sex, or membership in a particular social group [1]. The guidance also extends protection to those fleeing war or events seriously disturbing public order in their home countries [1]. The Department of Refugee Services (DRS), operating within Kenya’s Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government, processes and decides on all asylum applications whilst also issuing identification cards for asylum seekers and refugees [1].
Accessing Support Services and Documentation
UNHCR Kenya has established clear channels for asylum seekers requiring assistance with their applications or documentation. Those who lose their proof of registration or have queries about the process can contact the UNHCR helpline via email at helpline.kenya@unhcr.org or through the toll-free telephone number 1517 [1]. For individuals who have already applied for Refugee ID cards, the guidance directs them to visit the DRS office in their location to check the status and collect their cards if ready [1]. This streamlined approach addresses a critical need for accessible support services, particularly for vulnerable populations who may face language barriers or limited access to information.
Strategic Office Locations Across Kenya
The Department of Refugee Services maintains offices in six strategic locations across Kenya to ensure comprehensive coverage for asylum seekers and refugees. These offices operate in Dadaab, Eldoret (Public Works Building next to immigration on Oloo Street), Kakuma, Mombasa (opposite St. Mary’s Academy in Bombolulu estate), Nairobi (Ambira Road), and Nakuru (Farming Systems of Kenya Building on Kabarak Road, Kiamunyi) [1]. This geographical distribution ensures that asylum seekers in major refugee camps, including Kakuma and Kalobeyei, as well as urban areas, have accessible points of contact for their documentation needs.
Broader Context of Refugee Support Networks
The guidance comes amid ongoing efforts to strengthen partnerships and support systems for displaced communities in Kenya. Recent networking activities, such as the Karibou Club event hosted by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada at the Canadian High Commission in Nairobi on 23 April 2026, demonstrate the collaborative approach being taken by international organisations working in migration and refugee support [2]. These initiatives highlight the importance of creating visibility, inclusion, and connection for displaced populations whilst advancing comprehensive support missions. The systematic approach to documentation and support services reflects broader international efforts to ensure that refugees and asylum seekers have access to the identification documents that can open opportunities for integration and self-reliance [GPT].