By Dorothy Musyoka
Kenya has launched the Shirika Plan, a transformative initiative aimed at integrating refugees with host communities.
Unveiled at State House, Nairobi, the plan marks a paradigm shift in refugee management, moving from a humanitarian aid model to a development-based approach that fosters self-reliance and shared prosperity.
Presiding over the launch, President William Ruto emphasized Kenya’s commitment to upholding human rights while promoting economic and social inclusion for refugees.
“This will upgrade our refugee management, shifting from humanitarian dependency to a more inclusive and progressive development model anchored in the philosophy of ‘African solutions to African and global challenges,” President Ruto said.
According to Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki, the program is designed to reduce dependency on aid by equipping refugees with the skills and resources needed to participate in Kenya’s economy
“The Shirika Plan, that will guide the integration of refugees with host communities in the Country, is a game-changer in management of refugees; from burden shifting to burden sharing and consolidation of efforts by all the role players in pursuit of win-win solutions,” DP Kithure Kindiki.
The Shirika Plan is a significant paradigm shift from short-term, temporary solutions to durable, long-term and sustainable solutions on the enforcement of rights of the refugees fleeing their home countries for their safety, liberty and rights.