Cake cutting during the launch of the Institutional Capacity Development Project for the Inclusive Refugee Response Program (IRRP) in Lodwar, Turkana County. Photo by RCK.
On Wednesday, February 5, 2025, the Refugee Consortium of Kenya (RCK), in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Denmark, launched the Institutional Capacity Development Project for Inclusive Refugee Response Program at Lodwar in Turkana County. This initiative aims to enhance the rights, access to services, and socio-economic inclusion of refugees and host communities. As a launchpad for the initiative, on Thursday February 6, 2025, RCK and the County Government of Turkana signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish pathways for the successful implementation of the project.
The project primarily focuses on addressing policy, legal, and institutional gaps that hinder refugee integration into local systems, particularly in access to water, health, and education. It also champions sustainable solutions for both refugees and host communities in Kenya, specifically in Turkana County.
The Refugees Act 2021, its complementary 2024 Regulations, County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP), Kalobeyei Integrated Socio-economic Development Programme, and the anticipated Shirika Plan provides clear framework for inclusive provision of basic services such as water, health and education to both refugees and the host community. The project is not just about addressing immediate needs, it is about creating sustainable solutions that empower communities, bridge gaps, and foster unity ensuring that no one is left behind.
Department of Refugee Services Commissioner Mr. John Burugu delivering his speech during the Institutional Capacity Development Project for the Inclusive Refugee Response Program (IRRP) in Turkana County. Photo by RCK.
The Commissioner for the Department of Refugee Services (DRS), Mr. John Burugu, welcomed the initiative and officially launched the program, terming it timely as it aligns with the government’s new policy shift on refugee protection and management, and the pillars of the Shirika Plan. “The launch of the Institutional Capacity Development Project is timely, as it comes at a time when the government has embarked on a new policy shift on refugee management and aligns with the Shirika Plan,” said John Burugu. “The project will go a long way in supporting the implementation of inclusive refugee response and advocating for the rights and access to basic services for those whom we serve,” he added.
He further applauded RCK’s work in addressing emerging issues for the displaced populations in Kenya. “We commend the support given by the UNHCR, RCK, and other humanitarian agencies in responding to the immediate and ongoing needs of the displaced populations,” Burugu remarked.
The project focuses on strengthening legislative and policy frameworks and enhancing capacity-sharing to promote inclusive refugee response. This is expected to create an environment where refugees and host communities can thrive together and access basic services, including water, health, and education, in Turkana County.
The Embassy of Denmark Representative, Ben Sewe speaking during the launch of the Institutional Capacity Development Project for the Inclusive Refugee Response Program (IRRP) in Turkana County. Photo by RCK.
The Embassy of Denmark Representative, Ben Sewe, affirmed the Embassy’s commitment to supporting the program and ensuring its successful implementation. “We are happy to be here today for this launch, a project we are funding among other activities in the aspect of the refugee response program,” said Sewe. “I am going to be embedded here in Turkana County to support the capacity of the county government in the transition from a camp-based approach to a more inclusive settlement,” he added.
RCK Executive Director, Barlet Colly Jaji, addressing stakeholders during the launch of the Institutional Capacity Development Project for the Inclusive Refugee Response Program (IRRP) in Turkana County. Photo by RCK.
RCK Executive Director, Barlet Colly Jaji, expressed gratitude to partners, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Denmark, Department of Refugee Services, and the County Government of Turkana, for their support and collaboration. “One thing that I have learned today is that RCK is not a rich organization. Our riches are in the partnerships and the friendships that we have,” said Barlet.
He further emphasized the importance of collaboration in strengthening legislative frameworks and policies to ensure access to water, health, and education for both refugees and the host population. “Why are we here today? RCK has a cooperation agreement with the Denmark Embassy on the implementation of the Institutional Capacity Development Project, a three-year partnership that leverages support from other key donors,” Barlet said. “RCK has been at the forefront in advocating for the legal framework to support the protection and management of refugees, as expressed in the Refugees Act 2021. The anticipated transition of the camps into integrated settlements through the implementation of the Shirika Plan,” he added.
“We foresee the need for drafting a comprehensive refugee management policy that will provide institutional, legal, and administrative clarity. The policy will address some gaps because the law was passed before the policy,” Barlet remarked.
County Government of Turkana, County Attorney, Ms. Ruth Manikoro speaking during the launch of the Institutional Capacity Development Project for the Inclusive Refugee Response Program (IRRP) in Turkana County. Photo by RCK.
The County Attorney, Ms. Ruth Manikoro, voiced the County Government of Turkana’s commitment to deepening the partnership and expanding collaboration on legislative drafting, policy, and regulations to ensure an inclusive refugee response. “As the County Government of Turkana, we welcome this launch of the project by RCK, supported by the Denmark government. RCK is one of the partners that the County Government of Turkana, on the executive side, intends to continue collaborating and partnering with. We intend to collaborate on issues of legislative drafting, policy, and regulations of the county to ensure that, as a county, we have all the necessary legislations required in all departments and sectors within the County,” said Manikoro.
The Institutional Capacity Development Project for the Inclusive Refugee Response Program (IRRP) in Turkana County represents a pivotal milestone in our collective effort to enhance the rights and socio-economic inclusion of refugees and their host communities in Turkana County. This initiative is poised to foster active engagement and collaboration among diverse stakeholders, bringing together partners dedicated to addressing the policy, legal, and institutional gaps, and implementation challenges, that currently impede refugee integration into local systems and access to basic services.
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