Nairobi , 3rd September 2023
Chief Officer for Social Services Mr. George Mutiso held discussions with International Rescue Committee (IRC) on strategies and a framework on urban refugees.
As of June 2022, Kenya hosts about 555,183 refugees and asylum-seekers in Kakuma/Kalobeyei Integrated Settlement, Dadaab refugee camp, Nairobi, Eldoret, Nakuru and Mombasa. Of this population, around 45% are 18-59 years old, which make up most of the working age population. Unemployment is high amongst refugees and host communities in both camps and urban areas and most refugees live under the internationally recognized poverty line of a daily average income of USD 1.98 per person per day.
The Chief Officer Social Services Mr. George Mutiso Said “ Refugees face a range political, policy, and economic barriers which hinder their full integration into Kenya’s labour market. Nairobi City County and The International Rescue committee (IRC) are in in discussions on the development of a Strategic Plan jointly with partners working on refugee self-reliance in Kenya. This will provide a framework for Nairobi City County and IRC engagement in the livelihoods sector. With the help of partners we will collaborate to create opportunities for refugees, asylum seekers, and their host communities in Nairobi.
Said Mr. Mutiso “ We appreciate this partnership with IRC and we look forward to a seamless implementation journey to ensure Vulnerable communities in Nairobi are economically enabled, IRC has been very supportive in offering employment through ensuring the communities can access loans, training opportunities and are working on modalities of having them integrated in the business space”
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