By Laura Nyabang’a
Kenya and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) have a longstanding partnership spanning over 56 years in supporting refugees and asylum seekers.
Last evening, Interior Cabinet Secretary, Kipchumba Murkomen met with Mr. Raouf Mazou, Assistant High Commissioner for Operations at the UNHCR, who acknowledged Kenya’s unwavering commitment to protecting refugees and managing their affairs.
A key focus of the discussion was on the recently launched Shirika Plan, a transformative, multi-stakeholder initiative aimed at fostering the socio-economic inclusion of refugees and asylum seekers.
The plan promotes self-reliance and resilience among displaced populations while delivering tangible benefits to host communities.
Additionally, CS Kipchumba Murkomen highlighted the need to deepen collaboration to not only address immediate humanitarian needs but also confront the underlying causes of displacement, including conflict and climate change.
CS Kipchumba Murkomen urged the UNHCR to amplify advocacy for peace and the cessation of violence in affected regions which is critical in tackling forced displacement at its root.
“The Government of Kenya remains firmly committed to its responsibilities as a host country and will continue to work closely with UNHCR and all partners,” said CS Kipchumba Murkomen.