Shirika Plan inititive to integrate refugees into economy gets Cabinet nod
CS Murkomen said that the government is also focused on a long-term solution for the refugees through the Shirika Plan initiative which is designed to integrate refugees into the Kenya socio-economic framework.
Asylum seekers and refugees living in Kenya’s settlement camps will no longer have to worry about food rations with donors as the Cabinet has greenlighted the Shirika Plan. The initiative is designed to integrate refugees into Kenya’s socio-economic framework.
"The plan seeks to integrate refugees into host communities by transforming camps into sustainable settlements equipped with essential infrastructure, resources, and economic opportunities," a Cabinet dispatch read.
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The Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, had on Monday during a meeting with ambassadors, high commissioners and heads of financial institutions on the refugee situation in Kenya, said the move is crucial as Kenya has seen an influx of refugees fleeing conflict in neighbouring countries.
The meeting came at a critical time as the United States recently paused aid to Kenya’s refugee programmes, raising concerns about the sustainability of ongoing humanitarian efforts.
“Following deliberations with international partners, we have received assurances that they will wire funding and as such, the food rations for refugees in camps such as Dadaab, Kakuma and Kalobeyei will not decrease this year,” he said.
Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen speaks to the media after a meeting with ambassadors, high commissioners and heads of financial institutions on the refugee situation in Kenya on March 10, 2025. (Photo: X/Kipchumba Murkomen)
Shirika Plan initiative
Other than meeting the immediate needs of the refugees, Murkomen said that the government is also focused on a long-term solution for the refugees through the Shirika Plan initiative, which is designed to integrate refugees into the Kenyan socio-economic framework.
“With some refugees having lived in Kenya for over 35 years, the plan aims to provide permanent solutions rather than temporary aid,” he said.
“After this meeting, we will interrogate the figures and numbers that are necessary to integrate the Shirika Plan so that we can begin as soon as possible.”
Envoys and financial partners at the meeting lauded the Shirika Plan, emphasizing that it would not only benefit refugees but also host communities and the country at large.
They acknowledged the need for innovative solutions to support displaced populations amid shifting international funding dynamics.
He said that public participation and adjustments to Kenya’s legal and regulatory framework are ongoing to ensure a smooth rollout of the Shirika Plan.
The key partners pledged support for the initiative, stressing the importance of collaboration with host counties to enhance its success.
Among those present were US Embassy Charge d’Affaires and Chair of the Refugee Donor Group, Amb. Marc D. Dillard, UN Resident Coordinator Dr. Stephen Jackson, and UNHCR Country Representative Caroline Van Buren.
Also in attendance were the Principal Secretary for Immigration and Citizen Services, Prof. Julius Bitok, and other senior government officials.
The Shirika Plan aligns with Kenya’s commitment to a sustainable refugee response model, promoting economic self-reliance for displaced persons while fostering regional development.
However, with the recent halt in US assistance and the growing number of refugees the government and partners will need to explore alternative funding mechanisms to ensure the programme’s success and sustainability.
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