Mitchel Ambasu Ayietsa

Effective refugee governance depends on strong institutions and clear guiding principles. The Refugee Advisory Committee (RAC) operates on values that include respect for the law, independence in decision-making, collective responsibility, institutional respect, and balancing humanitarian obligations with national interests. These principles help ensure that refugee policy discussions remain objective, coordinated, and grounded in Kenya’s legal framework. The recent induction workshop for RAC members, facilitated by @RCKKenya in collaboration with the @DRSKenya and with support of @denmarkinkenya contributes to strengthening institutional capacity, coordination, and policy alignment across government actors. Kenya’s Refugees Act, 2021 and the Refugee Regulations, 2024 provide a structured and rules-based framework for the recognition, protection, and management of refugees. Within this framework, RAC plays an important advisory role , including guiding discussions on prima facie determinations and broader refugee governance priorities. Ultimately, when institutions are strengthened, refugee protection systems become more effective, benefiting both refugees and host communities. #RefugeeGovernance #RefugeeProtection #Kenya #PolicyLeadership @AGOfficeKenya @KeTreasury @PSCKenya @Lands_Kenya @MoICTKenya @EduMinKenya @MOH_Kenya @LabourSPKE @TransportKE @Environment_Ke @CoopsandMSMEs @ForeignOfficeKE @KenyaGovernors @EACAffairsKenya @moyasa_ke @Sida @NLinKenya @Kenyajudiciary @UN_HRC @ODPP_KE

#Education is the foundation of self-reliance. But we cannot build resilient communities if refugee and host children are excluded from quality, inclusive systems. @RCKKenya Field Coordinator – Kakuma Operations, @AmbasuMitch highlights #IRRP role in promoting access to water, health, and education service delivery, and the importance of consultative processes that ensure an effective feedback loop in strengthening government-led systems. Inclusive systems work best when communities help shape them. #IRRP #InclusiveRefugeeResponse @TurkanaAssembly @Locham_David @TurkanaCountyKE @denmarkinkenya

Advancing inclusive and locally responsive legislation in Turkana County. @RCKKenya through the Inclusive Refugee Response Programme (#IRRP), supported the Office of the County Attorney alongside the @klrcKE -represented by Damaris Mukala- in reviewing the Turkana County Local Content Regulations. The three-day multi-stakeholder workshop in #Kakuma brought together @TurkanaCountyKE leadership represented by the Deputy Governor- H.E Dr. John Erus, County Attorney- Ruth Emanikor, County Government Chief Officers, members of the @TurkanaAssembly , United Nations Resident Coordinators Office represented by Peninah Mokaya,Turkana Youths Council, persons with disabilities, and Faith-Based Organisations to ensure the Regulations reflect the unique realities of Turkana County as a host to both refugee and host communities. 🎯The engagement strengthens the County Government’s capacity to develop inclusive legislation that promotes equitable economic opportunities, enhances local participation, and improves service delivery for all. The milestone is an enhanced second draft of the Regulations that includes both refugees and host communities, bringing the Turkana County Local Content Act closer to implementation and setting the stage for sustainable, inclusive growth under the #IRRP, funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark. @denmarkinkenya Berndt Serway, Technical Advisor for Turkana County under #IRRP, emphasized: "The Danish Embassy supports national and county governments to take the lead in service delivery. These efforts are made possible through governments having strong frameworks like the Turkana County Local Content Act," he said. @NLinKenya @DRSKenya @drckenya @DRSKenya @IGADHealthS @OpenSociety @Sida @RESCUEorg @unwomenkenya @relon_kenya @youthVoicesCom @ReDSS_HoA @RefugeesSeat @ECHO_CESAfrica @inkomokoKenya @HIASAfrica @YVKakuma @Kenyajudiciary @UDPKenya @IRAP @ICVAnetwork @NCIC_Kenya @afsc_org @TurkanaAssembly @TurkanaCountyKE @Garissapress @KenyaGovernors @LawSocietyofKe @KeEquityBank @SafaricomPLC @KCBInKenya @ODPP_KE @NYC_YouthVoice @refugeelawproj @KanereNews @YVKakuma @KakumaNews

@RCKKenya through the Inclusive Refugee Response Programme (IRRP), convenes a Multi-Stakeholder (Fireside Discussion) on Inclusive Access to Water, Health, and Education in Turkana County. 🎯Kenya currently hosts 858,137 #Refugees and #asylum seekers (according to UNHCR, as of 31st July 2025), with Turkana County at the heart of this response. As the country advances implementation of the Refugees Act 2021, and the integrated settlement approach under the Shirika Plan, strengthening inclusive and government-led service delivery is more important than ever. This two-day engagement brings together the @UNHCR_Kenya , the @TurkanaCountyKE , @TurkanaAssembly , development partners, Refugee-Led Organisations, Youth, and community representatives to move from policy to practice, ensuring water, health, and education systems work for both refugees and host communities. Join the Live conversation on YouTube @RCK-kenya on 18th & 19th February 2026. From Am to PM. @denmarkinkenya @TurkanaCountyKE @garissahealth @GarissaGov @KenyaGovernors @UNDPKenya @EUinKenya @KakumaNews @YVKakuma @NYC_YouthVoice @youthVoicesCom @filmaidkenya @org_refugeeled @PamojaTunaweza @refugeelawproj @KanereNews @HIASAfrica @NLinKenya @Reuters @Sida @relon_kenya @Safaricom_Care @RobertAlai @ReDSS_HoA @NCIC_Kenya @afsc_org

Bold conversations. Shared responsibility. Real solutions. Day One of the #IRRP Multistakeholder (Fireside Discussion) brought together the @TurkanaAssembly @TurkanaCountyKE @DRSKenya , Kakuma Municipality, Refugee-Led Organisations with operations in Kakuma and Kalobeyei, and partners including @UNHCR_Kenya to advance an inclusive refugee response anchored on the foundation of the Shirika Plan. Technical experts in water and health set the tone with evidence-based presentations highlighting system capacity, climate vulnerability, service delivery gaps, and opportunities for strengthening integrated, government-led systems. The moderated sessions and fireside dialogue created a powerful platform for engagement where participants shared lived experiences, asked critical questions, clarified policy direction, and exchanged knowledge across county and national levels. At the heart of the discussions was a clear message: Inclusive refugee response is not about parallel systems, it is about strengthening shared public systems that serve both refugees and host communities with dignity. Stakeholders emphasezed the need for collaboration in service delivery and projects implementations. As envisioned under the Shirika Plan, integration must translate into coordinated planning, accountable governance, and sustainable service delivery. @denmarkinkenya @IGADHealthS @Amref_Kenya @KenyaGovernors @Sida @NLinKenya @UNHCRAfrica @UNHCRAfrica @TurkanaTv @Locham_David

Happening Today🌟 Fireside discussion day 1 on - Water, Health and Inclusive Service Delivery. Because integration is not just policy language. 🎯It is lived experience. 🎯It is shared responsibility. 🎯It is the future of sustainable development in Turkana. 📺Tune in for the Live Discussions: bit.ly/FiresideDiscus… @denmarkinkenya @UNHCRAfrica @RefugeesMedia @UNHCR_Kenya @TurkanaAssembly @Locham_David @TurkanaCountyKE @TurkanaTv @KenyaGovernors @NationAfrica @citizentvkenya @tv47news @StandardKenya

A powerful conversation at @KBCChannel1 as @RCKKenya Programmes Manager for Legal Aid and Governance- Mohamed Omar, alongside the Kakuma Operations Field Coordinator @AmbasuMitch , share in-depth insights on refugee protection, access to justice, and the implementation of inclusive, people-centred service delivery systems under the Inclusive Refugee Response Project (IRRP) in @TurkanaCountyKE . They address the challenges faced by refugees as the Government of Kenya works to transform refugee camps into integrated, self-sufficient settlements, while highlighting how progressive policies including the Refugees Act (2021) are being translated into practical solutions that expand access to basic services, strengthen government-led responses, and promote dignity, inclusion, and social cohesion for refugees and host communities. @UNHCR_Kenya @NLinKenya @drckenya @DRSKenya @IGADHealthS @OpenSociety @bodo_immink @Sida @RESCUEorg @unwomenkenya @relon_kenya @youthVoicesCom @ReDSS_HoA @RefugeesSeat @ECHO_CESAfrica @inkomokoKenya @HIASAfrica @YVKakuma @Kenyajudiciary @UDPKenya @IRAP @ICVAnetwork @NCIC_Kenya @afsc_org @TurkanaAssembly @TurkanaCountyKE @denmarkinkenya @Garissapress @KenyaGovernors @LawSocietyofKe @KeEquityBank @SafaricomPLC @KCBInKenya @ODPP_KE @NYC_YouthVoice @youthVoicesCom

For a just and inclusive society we need to promote voice of the community and keep hope alive. @RCKKenya

“The government is of the view that refugees and the host community need to be supported by an excess of documents so that they can access the services offered by the local government under the national government, and the private sector.” – Khalif Ibrahim, Protection/Legal Officer @DRSKenya. #AccessToTheLabourMarketForRefugees #SocioEconomicInclusion #RCK25 #RCKat25 #KeepingHopealive

East Africa is coming together to champion refugee access to labour markets. With a strong focus on socio-economic inclusion, integration, policy reforms and skills development, the #EastAfricaForum2025 will drive actionable conversations that shape the future of refugee livelihoods. Follow Live Stream: bit.ly/EastAfricaForum

In Turkana, where host communities and refugee families together, the decisions made in county offices play an important role in ensuring everyone can access services with dignity. @RCKKenya in partnership with @denmarkinkenya under the Inclusive Refugee Response Programme (IRRP), conducted a capacity-building training for Turkana County Deputy County Secretary, County Executive Committee members (CECMs), Chief Officer, Directors and representatives from the Department of Refugee Services (DRS) in Kakuma to strengthen their capacity to protect and serve both the refugee and host communities. The training covered the Refugee Act, 2021, the Refugee Regulations 2024, and the Human Rights-Based Approach, helping the CECs not only understand the law but also reconnect with the people at the centre of refugee protection. The session created space for open discussions, shared reflections, and a deeper appreciation of the human stories behind each policy and mandate. By improving their understanding of refugee governance and encouraging coordinated, rights-based action, this capacity-building effort supports county leadership to make more inclusive, compassionate, and accountable decisions. We remain committed to working with Turkana County's leaders to build a future where both host and refugee communities can access services with fairness and dignity. #RCK25 #KeepingHopealive #refugeesinclusion #IRRP @RESCUEorg @UNHCR_Kenya @HakiKNCHR @IGADHealthS @OpenSociety @bodo_immink @Sida @kkcfkenya @KakumaRead2020 @denmarkinkenya @NLinKenya @drckenya @unwomenkenya @relon_kenya @youthVoicesCom @ReDSS_HoA @RefugeesSeat @hbsHornOfAfrica @ECHO_CESAfrica @SomaliStarNews1 @inkomokoKenya @HIASAfrica @YVKakuma @Kenyajudiciary @Haki_na_Sheria @UDPKenya @IRAP @ICVAnetwork @Uspat6666 @NCIC_Kenya @afsc_org @PamojaTunaweza @TurkanaAssembly @TurkanaCountyKE @TurkanaPress

🚀 In just four days and across four locations, @RCKKenya under the #ABLI_G II Project in collaboration with @drckenya is transforming access to essential services in Dadaab. Through the #OneStopShop (OSS) in Hagadera, Dagahaley, Ifo and Ifo II camps, refugees and host communities can now access multiple services under one roof, making life easier, boosting socio-economic inclusion, and strengthening self-reliance. 🎯From KRA PIN registration, business permits, and group registrations, to banking, SIM reactivation, scholarships, and refugee documentation. The OSS is bringing together a powerhouse of service providers, uniting key partners under one roof to serve Dadaab’s refugee and host communities. @RCKKenya and @drckenya are driving access to justice and opportunities, while @KRACorporate is facilitating PIN registrations and tax compliance support. The Social Development Office is assisting with group registrations, and the Revenue Collection Office is issuing business permits. In addition, @KeEquityBank is enabling account openings, @SafaricomPLC is handling SIM registrations and M-PESA reactivations, and DRC is sharing scholarship opportunities. The @DRSKenya is streamlining refugee documentation with Alien cards and movement passes, while @KNCCI and INKOMOKO are fostering enterprise growth. Together, we are turning the OSS into a true one-stop hub for empowerment, inclusion, and self-reliance.

Integrating #refugees into county development plans and budgets is essential to guarantee their access to services alongside #hostcommunities. @RCKKenya, in partnership with the @denmarkinkenya and in collaboration with @TurkanaCountyKE and @TurkanaAssembly under #IRRP project, convened a 3-day workshop to unpack the County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP III) for key social sectors. Building on #devolutionconference2025 commitments to strengthen intergovernmental partnerships for inclusive development for refugee and host population. The workshop brought together 30 Members of County Assembly (MCAs), county officials, legal advisors, and development partners, including @UNHCR_Kenya, to deepen understanding of CIDP III and promote its effective implementation. The goal was to ensure equitable benefits for both refugees and host communities in education, health, water, and sanitation. Rt. Hon. Charles Lokioto Ewoi, Speaker of Turkana County Assembly, in his opening remarks described CIDP III as “the heartbeat of Turkana’s development vision,” urging all to translate policy into real improvements. Turkana County Attorney Ms. Ruth Emanikor pledged legal support from the executive and legal teams to close policy gaps and ensure successful implementation. The workshop outcomes include developing a simplified CIDP III version for community engagement, amending four key bills to include refugees in water, health, and sanitation sectors, and fast-tracking the formation of legal and justice committee with refugee representation. Commitments were made to coordinate resources, support refugee-inclusive ECD lunch programs, and study mobile schools to reach displaced children. We are working together to advancing #inclusivedevelopment to ensure no one is left behind. RCK remains committed to sustaining this positive momentum by championing policy-driven action and inclusive strategies that equally benefit both refugees and host communities. #RCKProject #RCKat25 #RCK25 @NLinKenya @hbsHornOfAfrica @ECHO_CESAfrica @NCIC_Kenya @OpenSociety @Sida @RESCUEorg @IRCKenyaCD @bodo_immink @inkomokoKenya @ReDSS_HoA @GvnLomorukai @youthVoicesCom @drckenya @CMAUP @RefugeesSeat @RCKDirector @HakiKNCHR @relon_kenya @citizentvkenya @ntvkenya @KTNNewsKE @K24Tv @StandardKenya @NationAfrica @PeopleDailyKe @tv47news @TheStarKenya @KenyaGovernors @AmbasuMitch

To promote socio-economic inclusion and build self -resilience for refugees and host communities, @RCKKenya conducted a 5-day economic empowerment training under the #WezeshaProject, in partnership with the IKEA Foundation, for 30 participants in Kakuma, Turkana County. The training covered essential topics including leadership skills, financial planning and management, record keeping, and business planning—such as budgeting, marketing, and customer care. Participants then developed business plans that will later be evaluated to qualify for capital goods support, targeting the most vulnerable women exposed to sexual gender-based violence. Many participants described the session as eye-opening. One participant shared her learning experience: "Nimejifunza ya kwamba wakati naanza biashara lazima kuna yale mambo nitaangalia, kama vile biashara itaniletea faida na mapato iwe ya kutosha matumizi yangu ya nyumba na kueka akiba." (I have learned that when I start a business, there are certain things I must consider, such as whether the business will bring me profit and whether the income will be enough to cover my housing expenses and save money.) Motivated and committed, participants expressed their intention to apply the knowledge gained to start new businesses, evaluate existing ones for profitability, improve record keeping, and embrace a culture of saving. RCK is committed to supporting displaced populations and host communities in their journey toward socio-economic inclusion and self-reliance by providing targeted training, resources, and ongoing mentorship. While challenges remain, we aim to create sustainable opportunities that empower vulnerable groups to improve their livelihoods.

Enhancing community-led justice and peaceful coexistence in Turkana, 45 community leaders and stakeholders including @Kenyajudiciary, @NPSOfficial_KE, @ProbationKE, and @ODPP_KE, chiefs, village elders, religious leaders, the Lodwar BodaBoda Association, the Lodwar Street Families Association, #refugees and host community members, convened at Cradle Hotel, Lodwar, under #WezeshaProject in partnership with IKEA Foundation for a targeted Alternative Justice Systems (AJS) knowledge-sharing training. Key topics covered included #CommunityEngagement in alternative dispute #resolution mechanisms aimed at promoting #peacefulcoexistence between refugees and host communities, as well as strengthening cooperation among justice sector actors. Speaking during the event, the High Court Judge at Lodwar recommended strengthening the governance of the County AJS Committee by ensuring balanced regional representation, including the inclusion of female chiefs from Lodwar Town and Kanamkemer to promote inclusivity. He further emphasized the need for sensitization of grassroots AJS members and the development of monitoring tools to effectively regulate and oversee committee activities. Additionally, the High Court committed to establishing an AJS matters registry before the end of the year to enhance oversight and accountability. Together, the participants agreed to collaborate in implementing these improvements to build a more accountable, inclusive, and effective #justice system that fosters sustainable #peace and harmonious coexistence in Turkana County. @NCIC_Kenya

In the ongoing #BungeMashinani in Kakuma, hosted by @TurkanaAssembly, @RCKKenya Field Coordinator Kakuma, @AmbasuMitch, is taking part in a panel discussion on Safeguards to prevent service gaps during the transition from humanitarian aid to government-led systems- #ShirikaPlan.

Kudos for CAT initiative to engage the public at grassroot level. @RCKKenya

Pursuant to Article 196 of the Constitution of Kenya, Section 115 of the County Government Act, 2012 & Standing Orders of the County Assembly of Turkana, the House has resolved to hold its plenary & committee sittings in Kakuma, Turkana West Sub-County from 23rd -27th June 2025

The County Assembly will hold its sittings dubbed Bunge Mashinani in Kakuma from 23rd-27th June 2025. Members will tomorrow Wednesday 18th June 2025, deliberate on a motion by the Leader of Majority conveying a resolution by the House Business Committee that settled on Kakuma.