April 2023, Introduction:
Kenya has long been a hospitable home to refugees and asylum seekers, ranking as the fifth largest refugee-hosting country in Africa and the thirteenth globally, with over 577,000 registered refugees and asylum-seekers as of February 2023. Additionally, there are over 100,000 unregistered asylum-seekers undergoing formal registration by the Government. Majority reside in camps, including Dadaab (Garissa County) and Kakuma (Turkana County), while about 92,000 refugees reside in Nairobi and other urban areas. In alignment with the Global Compact on Refugees (GCR) and its Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework (CRRF), Kenya, in collaboration with partners, has undertaken various initiatives to improve conditions for refugees and host communities. These efforts include the development of frameworks like SHARE, KISEDP, GISEDP, and implementation of development projects funded by entities such as the World Bank, IFC, and EU-INTPA. The Shirika Plan (formerly the Marshal Plan) is a collaborative effort between the Government of Kenya and UNHCR Kenya. Legal Framework and Policy Shift:
The Refugees Act No. 10 of 2021 provides a robust legal framework for refugee protection and solutions, emphasizing the Government's commitment to refugee welfare and finding lasting solutions. Furthermore, Kenya's intention to transition from camps to integrated settlements under the Shirika Plan was articulated in February 2022, signaling a significant policy shift in refugee management. Objectives of the Shirika Plan:
The Shirika Plan, a multi-year initiative, aims to promote the socioeconomic inclusion of refugees in Kenya by transforming camps into integrated settlements for both refugees and asylum seekers. Aligned with SHARE, the Plan seeks to alleviate pressure on hosting communities and enhance self-reliance for both refugees and host communities. It encompasses various sectors such as education, health, livelihoods, social protection, and environmental management. Regional and International Commitments:
The Shirika Plan aligns with regional commitments such as IGAD declarations on forced displacement and international treaties like the 1951 UN Convention on the status of refugees and its protocol and the 1969 OAU Convention on specific aspects of refugees in Africa. It also contributes to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the AU Agenda 2063. Development Process:
The Shirika Plan development process comprises of two parts: Strategic Directions (SHARE 2.0): Focuses on articulating a shared vision and strategic directions for the transformation of refugee camps into integrated settlements. It includes a financing strategy and coordination architecture.
Implementation Plan: Encompasses time-bound, costed activities to operationalize the Shirika Plan, leveraging existing frameworks like KISEDP and GISEDP. Proposed Approach:
The Shirika Plan's development involves a multi-stakeholder consultative approach, building on a zero draft developed in 2022. Key stakeholders, including refugees, host communities, government entities, and NGOs, will provide inputs to the revised draft. A Steering Committee and Technical Committee will guide the process, with High-Level Dialogues have also been planned, providing visibility for the Shirika Plan.