Kenya Reaffirms Commitment To Refugee Protection, Urges Greater Global Solidarity
News Updated: 17 November 2025 19:11 EAT
President William Samoei Ruto
Kenya has reaffirmed its position as one of the world’s leading refugee-hosting nations, highlighting the country’s responsibility in providing safety and dignity to displaced individuals. With nearly 800,000 refugees and asylum seekers currently residing in the country, the government emphasized that hosting vulnerable populations remains a central pillar of its humanitarian and regional stability efforts.
Speaking at the opening of the 14th International Association of Refugee and Migration Judges (IARMJ) World Conference in Nairobi, the government noted that Kenya has made significant progress in strengthening the legal and institutional systems that support refugee protection. Key among these reforms is the Shirika Plan, a transformative initiative designed to promote socioeconomic inclusion and ensure refugees can rebuild their lives with dignity.
The Shirika Plan seeks to transition Kenya’s refugee management from a purely humanitarian approach to a development-oriented model. Through this framework, refugees are increasingly integrated into national public services, education systems, and economic opportunities, enabling greater self-reliance while also benefiting host communities.
Despite these advancements, the government stressed that Kenya’s capacity remains finite and called on the international community to adopt a more equitable approach to shared responsibility. It urged partners to provide increased financial support, expanded resettlement opportunities, and enhanced technical cooperation to bolster the long-term sustainability of refugee protection efforts.
Officials noted that global solidarity must go beyond charity and instead reflect a deeper commitment to justice and fairness. They argued that durable solutions—including peacebuilding, stability, and voluntary repatriation where possible—require coordinated global action that addresses the root causes of displacement.
During the conference, Kenya also appealed to refugee and migration judges worldwide to uphold the highest standards of fairness, courage, and independence in their decisions. The government emphasized that every refugee and migrant deserves to be heard and treated with dignity, and that judicial integrity is essential in safeguarding the rights and protections guaranteed under international law.
The Nairobi conference, which brings together legal experts and judges from across the world, is expected to strengthen international cooperation on refugee and migration adjudication. Kenya said it remains committed to fostering a justice-driven approach to refugee protection while championing sustainable, long-term solutions for displaced populations.
Tags: President William Ruto William Ruto World Refugee Day Signsmedia Signstvkenya
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FELIX MAKONA
FACT FINDER AND DATA DRIVEN JOURNALIST. DATA MINING AT IT'S BEST. GET FACTS RANGING FROM MATTERS DISABILITY AND INCLUSION, POLITICS, ECONOMY, SPORTS AND GENERAL NEWS AROUND THE WORLD