NAIROBI, Kenya – Kenya’s ambitious Shirika Plan, which aims to integrate refugees into the country’s economic system, has received strong backing from foreign envoys and financial institutions.
The plan seeks to shift Kenya’s approach to refugee management by enabling refugees to participate meaningfully in economic activities, benefiting both refugees and host communities.
The initiative was at the center of a high-level meeting convened by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, bringing together ambassadors, high commissioners, and key financial leaders.
Among those in attendance were US Embassy Charge d’Affaires and Chair of the Refugee Donor Group, Ambassador Marc D. Dillard, UN Resident Coordinator Dr. Stephen Jackson, and UNHCR Country Representative Caroline Van Buren.
Murkomen emphasized that public participation and legal reforms are ongoing to ensure the success of the Shirika Plan.
He urged development partners to continue their support, particularly in working closely with host counties, where refugee settlements are concentrated.
“The Shirika Plan is a transformative approach that will not only empower refugees but also boost the local economy. We are fine-tuning the legal and regulatory frameworks to ensure smooth implementation,” Murkomen stated.
Held a meeting with ambassadors, high commissioners and heads of financial institutions on the refugee situation in Kenya. The envoys and other partners lauded our transformative Shirika Plan which seeks to integrate refugees in the daily economic life of the country, a move…
The initiative represents a major shift in Kenya’s refugee policy, moving away from traditional aid-based models toward a more sustainable, economic integration strategy.
Development partners lauded the effort, describing it as a progressive and innovative solution to refugee management.
Also present at the meeting were Principal Secretary for Immigration and Citizen Services, Prof. Julius Bitok, and other senior officials from the Ministry of Interior.
The Shirika Plan comes at a time when Kenya hosts one of the largest refugee populations in Africa, with major camps such as Kakuma and Dadaab nearing capacity.
If successfully implemented, the initiative could serve as a model for refugee integration across the region.
