Date of publication:
01/09/2026
Kenya
Do national and local development plans include provisions for forcibly displaced and statelessness persons?
Assessment by population
Analysis
Kenya has demonstrated a progressive approach toward integrating forcibly displaced and stateless persons into its economic development strategies. A notable initiative is the Shirika Plan, a government-led strategy aimed at transitioning from traditional refugee camps to integrated settlements. This plan envisions refugees and Kenyan citizens benefiting collectively from national services and economic development opportunities. The gazettement of Kakuma and Dadaab as municipalities underscores this approach, creating potential for integrating refugee camps into broader urban development plans within these counties.
In collaboration with international partners, Kenya participates in the PROSPECTS partnership, which aims to enhance the socio-economic inclusion of forcibly displaced persons and host communities. This initiative focuses on improving access to education, vocational training, and employment opportunities, thereby strengthening the resilience of both refugees and host populations.
Regarding stateless individuals, Kenya has made significant strides in reducing statelessness, thereby facilitating their inclusion in economic development plans. The government's decision to grant citizenship to previously stateless communities, such as the Shona, Makonde, and Pemba, has enabled these groups to access essential services, including education, healthcare, and employment opportunities. This inclusion not only enhances their socio-economic participation but also contributes to the country's overall development.
Related provisions of domestic law or policy
The Refugee Act
- Year: 2021
- Type: Domestic law
- Rights Category: Asylum, Education, Freedom of movement, Health, Liberty & security of person, Social protection, Work & Workplace rights, Family life, Documentation
- Link to external source: https://www.refworld.org/legal/legislation/natlegbod/2021/en/124231?prevDestination=search&prevPath=/search?keywords=refugee+act&order=desc&sm_country_name%5B%5D=Kenya&sort=score&result=result-124231-en
Legal provision
Article 28(2) and (3) Rights and obligations of Refugees
(1) The Cabinet Secretary may, by notice in the Gazette and in consultation with the relevant county governments, designate specific counties to host refugees. (3) The Cabinet Secretary may, by notice in the Gazette, designate places and areas in Kenya to be transit centres for purposes of temporarily accommodating refugees.
Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act
- Year: 2011
- Type: Domestic law
- Rights Category: Liberty & security of person, Nationality & facilitated naturalization, Work & Workplace rights, Documentation
- Link to external source: https://www.refworld.org/legal/legislation/natlegbod/2011/en/123212
Legal provision
Section 15 - Stateless Persons
A person who does not have an enforceable claim to the citizenship of any recognized state and has been living in Kenya for a continuous period since 12th December 1963, shall be deemed to have been lawfully resident and may, on application, in the prescribed manner be eligible to be registered as a citizen of Kenya if that person satisfies the requirements under this article.