East African Nations Unite to Break Down Refugee Employment Barriers
Nairobi, 20 February 2026
Kenya’s Refugee Consortium partnered with IKEA Foundation to host a groundbreaking regional forum addressing refugee labour market access across East Africa. The December initiative brought together key stakeholders to tackle employment challenges facing displaced populations, focusing on policy reforms and practical solutions. Despite Kenya’s progressive 2021 Refugee Act granting employment rights, complex Class M work permit requirements continue hindering formal job access. The forum explored digital skills investment and streamlined permit processes as pathways to unlock refugee economic potential, benefiting both displaced communities and host nations.
Forum Structure and Objectives
The East African Region Forum on Access to Labour Markets for Refugees brought together key stakeholders to address critical focus areas through structured engagement [1]. The forum examined policy environments and legal frameworks that enable refugee employment, identified practical solutions to overcome barriers to labour market access, and fostered collaborative approaches between sectors [1]. Through panel discussions, workshops and networking opportunities, participants explored how to create more inclusive economic systems that recognise refugees’ skills and potential [1]. The initiative also established mechanisms to ensure accountability and measure impact in refugee employment initiatives [1].
Legal Framework Progress and Persistent Challenges
Kenya’s legal landscape for refugee employment has undergone significant transformation in recent years. The Refugee Act of 2021 grants refugees the right to employment in Kenya, whilst the 2024 Refugee Regulations strengthened the legal foundation for labour market inclusion [2]. However, the Class M work permit remains a major obstacle for refugees seeking formal employment due to its complexity and the requirement for employer justification [2]. Movement restrictions and the permit process continue to hinder refugees’ access to formal jobs in urban centres, creating a disconnect between policy intentions and practical implementation [2].
Private Sector Engagement and Opportunities
Research indicates that Kenya’s private sector shows openness to engage refugees as vendors and suppliers, yet formal wage employment programmes remain lacking [2]. Mercy Kusiwaa Frimpong, Strategy Custodian for Communications at Amahoro Coalition, emphasised that “Kenya’s legal framework recognises refugees as contributors to the economy. The next step is ensuring that the private sector fully embraces that vision” [2]. She highlighted that refugees bring skills, resilience and entrepreneurial drive, noting that “with clearer processes and stronger partnerships, companies can help turn policy commitments into tangible economic impact” [2].
Strategic Solutions and Future Outlook
Experts recommend coordinated action to unlock refugee talent at scale, including simplifying Class M permit requirements, ensuring timely issuance of refugee identity cards, and improving inter-agency coordination [2]. Investment in digital skills and technology access could open new remote and online work opportunities for displaced populations [2]. The forum represents a significant opportunity to translate principles of refugee rights into tangible employment opportunities that benefit both displaced populations and host communities [1]. Meanwhile, broader regional initiatives continue advancing refugee integration, with UNHCR’s Regional Bureau for West and Central Africa supporting projects aimed at helping over 500,000 refugees and displaced youth across Africa complete their education and enabling 200,000 young people to transition into dignified employment by 2030 [3].