Kenya, UN launch Sh3.7bn programme to improve refugee mobility, integration
By Alfred Onyango |
The initiative majorly seeks to improve governance and strengthen service delivery towards empowering communities affected by migration.
The United Nations in Kenya, in collaboration with the Government of Kenya and various partners, has launched the first $28.5 million (Sh3.7 billion) joint programme on migration, mobility and regional integration.
Running from December 2024 to June 2026, the programme aims to support Kenya's Vision 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on capacity building, policy advocacy and community participation to enhance social cohesion and regional integration.
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The initiative majorly seeks to improve governance and strengthen service delivery towards empowering communities affected by migration.
The Programme is co-chaired by the State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), with active participation from several UN agencies, including FAO, ILO, UNHCR and UN Women.
Highlighting the transformative potential of the programme, UN resident coordinator Stephen Jackson said migration and mobility are not just challenges to address, but opportunities to embrace.
"This joint programme highlights our commitment to harnessing the potential of migration to drive economic growth, promote social justice and build a more inclusive and peaceful future for all," Jackson said.
Collaboration
Principal Secretary for Immigration and Citizen Services Julius Bitok emphasised the importance of the collaboration seeking to alleviate the livelihoods of migrants, especially refugees.
"The adoption of a whole of government and whole of society approach in developing this programme shows the government's commitment to mainstreaming migration into national and county development plans, to address the challenges and harness the opportunities of Migration," Bitok said.
Sharon Dimanche, the chief of mission for IOM Kenya, also underlined the critical role of partnerships in advancing this agenda.
"This is not just a launch; it is a testament to our collective efforts and commitment to address migration in a way that supports Kenya's Vision 2030 and aligns with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development," she said.
Notably, the programme adopts a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, engaging state and non-state actors, including civil society organisations, the private sector, and local communities.
Through its focus on capacity building, policy advocacy and community participation, the programme is designed to address the multifaceted nature of migration in Kenya while promoting regional integration and social cohesion.
Kenya is home to over one million migrants, and more than half a million registered refugees, hence regarded as a key player in regional migration dynamics.
According to IOM, migration plays a significant role in Kenya as a country of origin, transit, and destination.
It says the movement greatly impacts the 2023-2027 Medium-Term Plan (MTP), making the programme essential for strategically supporting the government's efforts to integrate migration across sectors and harness its developmental potential.
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