Kenya

The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) has been operational in Kenya since 2005, working alongside displaced people, host communities and local partners to address the challenges of displacement and support pathways to recovery and self-reliance. DRC is present in Garissa (Dadaab), Isiolo, Nairobi (Eastleigh), Mandera, West Pokot, and Turkana (Kakuma, Kalobeyei and Lodwar).

Displacement Trends

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Definitions

EDPs: Refugees under UNHCR's mandate
IDPs: Internally displaced persons
Asylum seekers: People whose claims for refugee status have not yet been determined
Stateless: People not considered as nationals by any State
HST: People living in Host Communities
OIP: Others in need of International Protection
OOC: Others of Concern

Source: UNHCR

See definitions here

Forecast

DRC forecasts are based on a machine learning tool that has been developed to predict forced displacement (IDPs, refugees and asylum seekers) at the national level 1-3 years into the future.

See all available forecasts here

Why we are there

Displacement in Kenya is shaped by conflict, insecurity, climate-related shocks and complex regional migration dynamics. Refugees, internally displaced people (IDPs), host communities and people on the move face significant challenges in accessing protection, essential services, sustainable livelihoods and opportunities to rebuild their lives.

DRC works to address both the immediate consequences and the underlying drivers of displacement through an integrated approach that brings together humanitarian assistance, development and peacebuilding.

Our work promotes safety, dignity, inclusion and self-reliance while supporting displaced people and displacement-affected communities to pursue lasting solutions. We believe that everyone affected by displacement should have the opportunity to rebuild their lives, access essential services and shape their own future.

What we do in Kenya

DRC Kenya delivers integrated programmes that respond to the needs of displaced people and displacement-affected communities, strengthen resilience, and expand opportunities for recovery and self-reliance.

Protection and Humanitarian Assistance

We provide protection services to refugees, internally displaced people and other vulnerable populations, with a focus on child protection and preventing and responding to gender-based violence (GBV). DRC also leads on LGBTI+ refugee protection, supporting the safety, rights, and inclusion of refugees with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions.

We support voluntary repatriation for refugees who choose to return to their countries of origin, helping facilitate safe and dignified returns.

Economic Recovery and Livelihoods

We support displaced people and host communities to strengthen their livelihoods, improve access to economic opportunities and build self-reliance. Through skills development, financial inclusion and market-based approaches, our programmes help people strengthen their income-generating capacity and work towards greater economic independence.

Climate Resilience and Emergency Response

In Kenya's arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs), we support vulnerable households affected by drought and other climate-related shocks through multipurpose cash assistance, helping them meet their essential needs.

We also work with pastoralist communities to protect livestock-based livelihoods through the rehabilitation of strategic boreholes in livestock concentration areas, livestock vaccination, and treatment. These interventions help safeguard livestock health, strengthen resilience and sustain access to milk and other essential resources.

Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH)

We support access to water, sanitation and hygiene services to improve living conditions and promote the health, safety and dignity of displacement-affected communities.

Peacebuilding and Social Cohesion

We work with communities and local partners to strengthen peaceful coexistence, address tensions and support collaboration between displaced people and host communities.