Kenya is located in East Africa, bordered by Ethiopia to the north, Somalia to the east, Tanzania to the south, Uganda to the west, and South Sudan to the northwest. The country also has a coastline along the Indian Ocean to the southeast. Kenya hosts a significant refugee population, the majority of whom come from neighboring countries experiencing conflict or instability. Somali refugees make up the largest group, followed by refugees from South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, and Burundi. The refugee population is largely concentrated in established camps, such as Dadaab, Kakuma, and Kalobeyei, though many also live in urban areas like Nairobi. 

The country’s refugee system operates under the Refugees Act, which was introduced to align Kenya’s policies with international standards for refugee protection. This Act provides for asylum procedures, rights to documentation, and access to services such as healthcare and education. However, the country also operates an encampment policy, meaning that refugees are typically required to reside in specific areas designated for refugees, with restrictions on their movement. While movement passes can be issued for certain purposes, such as medical or educational needs, the process remains regulated.