Nairobi: Thursday 26th October,2023
County Executive for Talent, Skills Development and Care, Ms. Rosemary Kariuki in Collaboration with the Country Director International Rescue Committee (IRC) Mr. Mohammed Montassir held discussions with Kampala City Council delegation led by the Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago. The discussions were centered around the consolidation of the new pledges to be presented in the upcoming Global Refugee Forum (GRF) in Geneva, Switzerland in December 2023.
The County Executive said Kenya has been hosting refugees and asylum seekers for over three decades, with the majority originating from the Great Lakes Region, the Horn of Africa, and East Africa. The persistent ongoing conflict in our region continues to result in influxes of new arrivals in need of protection. Kenya has remained committed in upholding its obligations contained in the International Treaties and Conventions.
Ms. Kariuki said “In the Global Refugee Forum (GRF) of 2019, Kenya made significant pledges aligned with the core objectives of the Global Compact for Refugee. The upcoming 2023 Global Refugee Forum in December will require Kenya to present a comprehensive report on the progress made since 2019. This report will highlight the pledges made, share successful practices, take stock of the challenges and opportunities and announce new pledges.”
She added that Nairobi City County is expected to provide a comprehensive summary report on the proposed areas of refugee inclusion within the County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP). This will assist the Department of Refugee Services in coming up with new pledges and also show case the proposed good practices.
Said the County Executive “Nairobi County is host to over one hundred thousand (100,000) urban refugees and the number keeps increasing. It is on this background that we have partnered with IRC to help us in shaping pledges for Nairobi City as well as mobilization of other none state actors in implementation of the same.”
Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago said “Kampala will hold discussions with the City of Nairobi to bench mark especially on measures Nairobi has put in place in the integration of refugees as we plan to emulate this back home. He said the city of Kampala faces the same challenges that Nairobi faces and such collaborations will go a long way in shaping the future of the two cities.
Country Director IRC Mr. Mohammed Montassir said “This meeting paves a way for enhanced collaboration and impactful initiatives in the field of refugee programming. Sharing the Cities intended pledges and experiences in refugee programming will help to ensure the success of the program “
The Chief Officer for Social services Mr. George Mutiso said” We appreciate the ongoing collaboration with the Nairobi City County through the MoU under the ReBUiLD program, we continue to jointly create opportunities and overcoming barriers faced by urban refugees and host communities we will ensure to fully support in implementation of this initiative.”
The Global Refugee Forum (GRF) is the largest international gathering on refugees Whose states and stakeholders announce concrete pledges and contributions showcasing progress made, share best practices and take stock of challenges and opportunities in hosting refugees. IRC has brought on board the City of Kampala to share and compare with Nairobi City County their intended pledges and past experiences.
Present during the meeting was the Director Donor Coordination & Stakeholder Engagement Mr. Kefa Omanga, representatives from IRC, UNHCR and a delegation from the City of Kampala.
Ends/…