Refugee Consortium of Kenya (RCK)

@RCKKenya extends its gratitude to the President, & the Govt of Kenya for the progressive steps towards entrenching legal protection and management of refugees in Kenya & the region at large by signing into law the the Refugees Bill 2019. #refugeebill More:president.go.ke/2021/11/17/pre…

Rt. Hon Speaker Charles Lokioto Ealrier today welcomed the Members of Public at the 1st County Assembly of Turkana Open Day and also sentisize the public of Standing orders on refugees. @RCKKenya @PoliceKE @wikamar @eelokaale @EEEthekon #turkanatv

They are not waiting to be included, they are stepping forward and taking their place! At a Youth Leaders Engagement convened by @RCKKenya , refugee youth from diverse urban communities gathered alongside key partners, including @UNHCR_Kenya and @DRSKenya . Each young person came with their own story — shaped by lived experience, resilience, and a deep desire to be part of the solutions that affect their lives. 🎯As the conversations unfolded Young leaders spoke openly about the barriers they navigate every day from limited access to socio-economic opportunities to experiences of exclusion and xenophobia. They reflected on what it means to live and grow within host communities, and the urgent need to strengthen trust, understanding, and social cohesion. Beyond sharing challenges, the young leaders brought forward Practical ideas on how to improve access to opportunities, create safer and more inclusive spaces, and ensure that refugee youth are meaningfully engaged in decision-making processes. The discussions were honest, thoughtful, and grounded in real experiences — a clear reminder that those closest to the issues are also closest to the solutions. 📢Spaces like these matter. This created room not just for dialogue, but for connection, collaboration, and leadership. The interaction shifted the narrative from seeing refugee youth as beneficiaries to recognizing them as active contributors and change-makers. #SocialCohesion #EndXenophobia #EqualOpportunities @youthVoicesCom @JesuitRefugee @HIASAfrica @KamuzinziDeo @UNYouthAffairs @youthvoices @youthvoices @WawiMwangi @paulett78971095

Standing at the intersection of national policy and grassroots transformation, @RCKKenya continues to reaffirm its pivotal role in the civil society landscape during #PBOWeek2026. Led by @RCKDirector Barlet Colly Jaji, RCK was a central voice at the @KICC_kenya, joining stakeholders from across the nation for an event graced by Her Excellency, the First Lady, Mama Rachel Ruto, for the official launch of Public Benefits Organizations (PBO) Week 2026, the PBO Regulations, and the Annual PBO Sector Report 2024/2025. This involvement reiterates our strategic commitment as an actor in the refugee sector (top ten) in the national discourse. Our participation in this launch alongside @PBO_RA and other stakeholders directly advances our mission to protect and promote the well-being, voice, and dignity of displaced and host populations. These new milestones in sector regulation provide a robust platform for us to scale our impact, allowing RCK to navigate the complexities of advocacy and economic empowerment with greater transparency and institutional strength. By aligning our strategic goals with these national standards, we ensure that our vision for a protected and empowered #refugee population is integrated into the broader fabric of Kenya’s development. RCK remains steadfast in our commitment to being a catalyst for meaningful change. We recognize that our society is strengthened when organizations operate in a clear, guided environment that fosters accountability and innovation. As we look toward the future, RCK pledges to continue championing social justice and uplifting lives, leveraging these new regulatory frameworks to ensure that our advocacy is felt by those who need it most and create lasting impact. @HakiKNCHR @PBO_RA @EUinKenya @TurkanaAssembly @drcEA_GL @UNHCR_Kenya @DRSKenya @NCIC_Kenya @ReDSS_HoA @IGADHealthS @ECHO_CESAfrica @bodo_immink @relon_kenya @FondazioneAVSI @Equal_Reach @RESCUEorg @JesuitRefugee @ki4bli @KituoSheria @Kiva @Konexio_eu @MigrationPulseH @NRC_EAY @PWJ_Kenya @RefugeeInvest @WeAreRefuSHE @SaveChildren_KE @hope2shine @WorldRelief @CARE @hbsHornOfAfrica @GarissaGov @denmarkinkenya @NLinKenya

Taking essential services closer to the communities. With support from the European Union under the ABLI-G project, the Social Development Office (SDO) in Dadaab is now equipped to deliver faster, more efficient services at the community level from Community Based Organization (CBO) registration to on-site certificate processing. Formalized through the signing of a Right of Use Agreement between RCK and the SDO’s office, this milestone reflects strengthened collaboration with partners, including @drckenya and the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, to enhance service delivery. More than equipment- this is improved access, efficiency, and impact for the community. @GarissaGov @LabourSPKE @ENStatelessness @EUinKenya #ServiceDelivery #PartnershipsForImpact

☮️ Peace is inherently tied to the presence of love and the capacity for forgiveness. “I grew up seeing my sisters being beaten and chased away... I came of age with bitterness that almost cost me my own marriage. I used to shout at my husband, making family peace unbearable,” one participant shared This testimony set the stage for a critical community dialogue held today in Umoja II, Embakasi West Constituency, Nairobi County. Hosted by @RCKKenya in partnership with the IKEA Foundation, the forum brought together 25 diverse stakeholders, including local government authorities, community health promoters, the Registrar of Persons, community elders, women, and youth. Representing both #refugees and host populations, the group moved beyond surface-level interactions to identify the deep-seated issues currently fueling conflict and hindering social cohesion. A significant flashpoint identified was the friction surrounding property registration and informal lending. Refugees frequently rely on host community members to register assets, such as loaned mobile phones, using local identification. This reliance has unfortunately led to disputes where property is reclaimed by the registrant even after full loan payment has been made. These economic tensions are further exacerbated by instances of unpaid labour and the resulting desperation that can lead to theft. Beyond financial disputes, the dialogue highlighted how language barriers and a lack of legal literacy regarding rental agreements often trap individuals in contracts they do not fully understand, sparking avoidable legal friction. Perhaps most profoundly, the participants explored the inheritance of trauma. Historical cycles of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) learned from previous generations are being inadvertently transferred to children. When coupled with poor communication channels between parents and an over-reliance on a single breadwinner, these domestic pressures often spill over into the children and broader community. The forum also addressed the rising over-expectation and the neglect of the boy child by family and community, which has increasingly led to mental health struggles and substance abuse. From the neglect of children born out of wedlock to the lingering shadows of tribal conflicts brought from countries of origin, the participants left no stone unturned in diagnosing the community's wounds. By identifying these triggers, ranging from unfair labour practices to the weight of historical trauma, the participants in Umoja II have taken the first vital step toward healing. This diagnostic session served as the foundation for what comes next. With these root causes now clearly defined, the team will reconvene again to transform these insights into a concrete roadmap of #resolutions, focusing on shared accountability and a unified future. #SocialCohesion #PeaceBuilding #CommunityDialogue #ConflictResolution #EndGBV @giz_gmbh @bodo_immink @NCIC_Kenya @UNHCR_Kenya

@RCKKenya extends best wishes to #refugees and host communities for a peaceful and inspiring #EasterHoliday. This season serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of renewal, shared understanding, and building bridges across our diverse communities. #eastergift #easteregg #EasterRound #EasterHolidays

🕊️Dialogue for Peace and Inclusion | Nairobi & Kiambu County. While the intersection of diverse cultures offers vast opportunities for economic and social growth, it can also give rise to conflict. To navigate these complexities, @RCKKenya, in partnership with the IKEA Foundation, conducted a 4-day community-led dialogue forum. These meetings aimed to bridge the gap between refugees and host communities in areas experiencing significant population pressures, using structured dialogue as a key tool for #conflict prevention and #peacebuilding. The forums brought together 100 participants, including religious leaders, administrative officials, and members of both the refugee and host communities in Kangemi, Githurai, Eastleigh, and Ruiru. The sessions fostered an inclusive and respectful environment, ensuring that every voice resonated. This collaborative space allowed participants to look beyond surface-level tensions and identify the underlying drivers of conflict, aiming to pave a more sustainable path toward a unified future. During these discussions, participants highlighted several sensitive issues that continue to hinder mutual understanding. Gender-Based Violence (GBV) emerged as a profound concern, with physical and economic abuse cited as major threats to family stability. Beyond these social pressures, legal barriers, specifically documentation delays for IDs and work permits, remain critical hurdles for refugee survival and self-reliance. Economic competition and persistent misconceptions about the financial aid provided by humanitarian organizations often exacerbate these challenges. Furthermore, housing exploitation and a rise in substance abuse among youth have fueled an environment of insecurity and social mistrust. Ultimately, the forums transitioned from identifying problems to establishing a clear roadmap for shared accountability. A powerful consensus was reached: community safety must be a collective responsibility. Refugee community members were urged to stop concealing individuals involved in criminal activities, acknowledging that harbouring offenders only deepens the divide of mistrust. To address rising insecurity, participants recommended local awareness seminars to educate youth on the dangers of using illicit drugs and substances. The engagement concluded on a hopeful note, with local government officials committing to decisive action against illegal trade, the establishment of regular, cross-community neighbourhood watches, signalling a collective move toward a future defined by lasting peace and mutual respect. #PeaceAndInclusion #CommunityDialogue #RefugeeProtection #EndGBV @UNHCR_Kenya @DRSKenya @NCIC_Kenya @ReDSS_HoA @IGADHealthS @NPSOfficial_KE

Kakuma Municipality, in partnership with the @RCKKenya, held a public forum on resource mobilization and project implementation. Read more: turkana.go.ke/2026/03/26/kak…

🗞️ Policy Synergy for Refugees and the Host Community's Economic Inclusive Growth | Garissa County Strategic policy occurs when local leadership aligns with evidence-based advocacy. @RCKKenya convened a high-level advocacy session that brought together 28 participants from the Women Members of the County Assembly Caucus of the County Assembly of Garissa, @NGECKenya, and the @GarissaGov Departments of Trade and Gender under the Area-Based Livelihood Initiative (ABLI) project, funded by the @EUinKenya. The engagement focused on the presentation and review of the 2025 ABLI G Policy Brief and Annual Trend Report on the cost of doing business in Garissa. These documents provide important evidence, showing the rules and costs, high permit fees, and lack of access to the County Revolving Fund, which often limits the opportunities for both refugees and local entrepreneurs. Beyond identifying barriers, the session explored practical legislative pathways to create an enabling business environment. By aligning discussions with the National Policy on Women’s Economic Empowerment, partners examined how Garissa’s local frameworks can better promote self-reliance and access to decent employment for all residents. The Women MCA Caucus and stakeholders demonstrated a resounding commitment to inclusion, expressing their readiness to ensure refugee-friendly provisions are reflected in upcoming legislation and oversight. This commitment marked a significant step toward a regulatory landscape that recognizes the economic contributions of displaced populations and integrates them into the county’s broader development agenda. Read more about the annual trend: rckkenya.org/inclusive-loca… @ECHO_CESAfrica @UNHCR_Kenya @inkomokoKenya @GarissaGov @GarissaAssembly @drcEA_GL @drckenya @ReDSS_HoA @hbsHornOfAfrica

📍Good policy happens when people come together around a shared purpose | Turkana County The Office of the @TurkanaCountyKE Attorney, in partnership with @RCKKenya, convened a workshop to review and validate the draft Turkana County Local Content (General) Regulations, 2026, with support from @denmarkinkenya under the Institutional Capacity Development Project (ICDP). The session brought together 32 stakeholders from the Office of the Governor, the National Council for Persons with Disabilities, the Islamic Foundation for Integration, and the Turkana Youth Council. The workshop commenced with a comprehensive overview of the Turkana County Local Content Act, 2024, grounding the day’s discussions in the primary legislation that the new regulations seek to operationalize. This foundation enabled stakeholders to provide recommendations aimed at strengthening the document. Key suggestions included clarifying the differences between local and resident status, the need to add an appeals form to the schedules, and creating a compliance certificate for businesses to make oversight easier. The County Attorney, Ms. Ruth Emanikor, emphasized that these regulations serve as the vital link needed to operationalize the 2024 Act, providing the practical machinery for development. Ms. Janerose Tioko, Chief Officer for Partnerships, echoed this sentiment by committing the government's full support to the legislative process. Mr. Benson Ebei further noted the successful integration of concerns for persons with disabilities into the draft. After incorporating the stakeholder recommendations and amendments, the validated Turkana County Local Content (General) Regulations, 2026, will be presented before the County Cabinet for approval. This step marks a significant phase of a strategic process aimed at ensuring the regulatory frameworks are robust, inclusive, and ready to serve both host and refugee populations. @TurkanaAssembly @AmbasuMitch @TurkanaCountyKE

📍 High Court Judges Conference, Naivasha | Strengthening Judicial Intervention for Access to Justice Articles 21(3), 27, and 53 of the Constitution of Kenya guarantee every woman and child the fundamental rights to dignity, equality, and protection from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Furthermore, Section 20 of the Refugees Act 2021 provides asylum-seeking and refugee women and children the right to dignity and safety within Kenya. @RCKKenya participated in the High Court Judges Conference, offering our perspective and insight on the protection of refugee and asylum-seeking women and children in Kenya and beyond. Held in Naivasha from March 23rd to 27th, 2026, the event brought together at least 151 judges from various jurisdictions. The conference theme, "Protecting Vulnerable Women and Children: Strengthening Judicial Intervention for Access to Justice", provided a critical platform for reflection and dialogue on the judiciary's role in safeguarding the rights of at-risk populations. RCK contributed to this significant conversation through a presentation by our Director of Programs, Catherine Njoroge, on addressing practical challenges in access to justice. This was further supported by the Program Manager – Legal Aid & Governance, Mohamed Ahmed, during a session focused on the legal protection of refugees and stateless persons. Discussions highlighted practical gaps in justice for vulnerable refugee populations and emphasized on the urgent need to harmonize judicial precedents to uphold refugee rights. Strengthening cooperation, ensuring consistency in jurisprudence, and maintaining a victim-centered approach remain keys to ensuring no one is left behind in the pursuit of justice. RCK remains committed to supporting the Judiciary and our partners in advancing inclusive, equitable, and rights-based access to justice for all. #HighCourtLeaders2026Conference #AccessToJustice #RefugeeRights #KenyaJudiciary @RefugeesAfrica @UNHCR_Kenya @Kenyajudiciary @lawsocietykenya @NCIC_Kenya @relon_kenya @FondazioneAVSI @Equal_Reach @RESCUEorg @JesuitRefugee @ki4bli @KituoSheria @Kiva @Konexio_eu @MigrationPulseH @NRC_EAY @PWJ_Kenya @RefugeeInvest @WeAreRefuSHE @SaveChildren_KE @hope2shine @WorldRelief

📰 New white paper: Unlocking refugee work authorization in Kenya. We are excited to launch our new white paper today, a practical framework for refugee economic inclusion, institutional alignment, and national growth to overcome hurdles, co-authored by 32 organizations in the Kenya Coalition for Refugee Economic Inclusion. Kenya has a clear path to refugee economic inclusion, yet legal and institutional barriers continue to sideline skilled talent. Our white paper proposes ways to: ✅ Simplifying work authorisation for refugees ✅ Linking skilled refugees to high-growth sectors ✅ Driving jobs, tax revenue, and social cohesion Our proposed pilot program will demonstrate how #refugeeinclusion benefits everyone: refugees, employers, host communities, and the Kenyan economy. 📄 Read the full white paper: rckkenya.org/document/white… #Refugees #EconomicInclusion #Kenya #PolicyInnovation @inkomokoKenya, @FondazioneAVSI, @BrighterMonKE, @Equal_Reach, @RESCUEorg, @JesuitRefugee, @ki4bli, @KituoSheria, @Kiva, @Konexio_eu, @MigrationPulseH, @NRC_EAY, @PWJ_Kenya, @RefugeeInvest, @WeAreRefuSHE, @SaveChildren_KE, @hope2shine, @WorldRelief, @Vodafone_LEJOG @KeEquityBank @SafaricomFDN @KCBInKenya

|PROMOTING SOCIAL COHESION IN KAKUMA, TURKANA COUNTY. CHALLENGES & PATHWAYS TO PEACE| Mr. Ballet Colly Jaji, Executive Director @RCKKenya, a key partner working with refugees in Kenya for over 25 years, indicated that Kakuma Municipality hosts diverse refugee communities alongside Kenyan host populations, creating opportunities and challenges for peaceful coexistence. While this contributes to economic vibrancy, cultural diversity, and development opportunities, it has also increased pressure on natural resources, public services, and livelihoods, which sometimes creates tensions between communities. "This report comes at a very important time, with evidence-based insights into the drivers of social cohesion and conflict within Kakuma Municipality. It proposes practical pathways for strengthening peace and coexistence. For RCK, promoting peaceful coexistence between refugees and host communities is central to our mandate," he said. @DanielGiti @ImmigrationDept @InteriorKE @DRSKenya #AmaniKwaGround

📍Rights, Justice, Action. For All Women and Girls! This #InternationalWomensDay2026, under the theme "Rights, Justice, Action", @RCKKenya stands with refugees, displaced, and host community women across Kenya and beyond. For women on the move, rights are most meaningful when they are realized in everyday life. Many continue to face barriers to justice, protection, and essential services due to statelessness, gaps in legal identity, and systemic inequalities, which hinder their ability to access healthcare, legal support, and social services necessary for their well-being. There is an opportunity for collective action to ensure their rights are fully realized. Our commitment is central to promoting and protecting the voices, dignity, and rights of both displaced and host populations. We believe that taking a holistic approach promotes meaningful empowerment. We provide survivor-centered legal aid and access to justice programmes, as well as mental health and psychosocial support (MHPS) to women on their healing journeys and economic empowerment initiatives that foster independence and resilience. By working alongside women, communities, and partners, we strive to address the root causes of exclusion and build a future where every woman and girl, regardless of her displacement status, can heal, thrive, and claim her rights. #IWD2026 #RightsJusticeAction #ForAllWomenAndGirls #RCK #RefugeeRights @CREAWKenya @GBVnet @DRSKenya @covaw @unwomenkenya @UNHCR_Kenya @NGECKenya @UNTrustFundEVAW @fawekenya