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Kenya’s ambitious Shirika Plan to transform the decades-old Dadaab and Kakuma refugee camps into integrated urban centers is stirring both optimism and concern across the Horn of Africa. The multi-billion-dollar initiative, set to be implemented in phases through 2035, aims to shift the focus from short-term humanitarian aid to long-term local integration. While the plan promises enhanced infrastructure and socioeconomic opportunities for refugees and host communities, critics warn of potential challenges that could complicate regional dynamics.
Dadaab and Kakuma, located in Garissa and Turkana counties respectively, have been home to over 700,000 refugees for decades, primarily from Somalia, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Under the Shirika Plan, these camps will be restructured into municipalities with modern amenities such as schools, healthcare facilities, roads, and markets. The initiative is aligned with Kenya’s Vision 2030 and the Global Compact on Refugees, emphasizing mobility, economic inclusion, and refugee participation in national development.
Kenya’s Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo has lauded the plan as a transformative step toward dignifying refugees and enhancing local security. “The integration of refugees into host communities will foster socioeconomic growth and compliance with international refugee conventions,” Omollo stated. The plan also builds on previous frameworks like the Kalobeyei Integrated Settlement and the Garissa Development Framework, which have demonstrated the potential for refugee-host community collaboration.
However, the Shirika Plan has raised concerns among neighboring countries, particularly Somalia, where officials fear the initiative could undermine repatriation efforts. Somalia has struggled to reintegrate returnees due to insecurity, poor infrastructure, and limited resources. Somali government representatives argue that the plan may redirect donor funding away from repatriation programs, complicating Somalia’s fragile recovery process.
Legal and bureaucratic hurdles further challenge the plan’s implementation. While Kenya’s 2021 Refugee Act grants expanded rights to refugees, including the ability to work and start businesses, slow bureaucratic processes have hindered progress. Lengthy approvals for Class M work permits and limited community engagement have left both host and refugee populations feeling excluded from the decision-making process.
Environmental concerns also loom large. The camps are situated in semi-arid regions already stressed by water scarcity and deforestation. The reliance on firewood for cooking has exacerbated environmental degradation, prompting calls for sustainable solutions. The Shirika Plan includes provisions for environmental management, but critics argue that more robust measures are needed to address these challenges.
Funding remains a critical issue. The first phase of the plan, estimated to cost $943 million, relies on contributions from governments, private sector partners, and international NGOs. With traditional donors like the U.S. and U.K. scaling back aid, questions about the plan’s financial viability persist. Kenya’s Immigration Principal Secretary Julius Bitok has emphasized the importance of mobilizing resources to ensure the plan’s success.
Despite these challenges, proponents of the Shirika Plan remain optimistic about its potential to transform refugee camps into thriving urban centers. The integration of refugees into municipalities is expected to boost local economies, create jobs, and improve living standards for both refugees and host communities. By fostering collaboration and inclusivity, the plan aims to set a precedent for sustainable refugee management in Africa.
As Kenya moves forward with the Shirika Plan, the focus will be on addressing the concerns raised by stakeholders and ensuring that the initiative benefits all parties involved. The success of the plan could serve as a model for other countries grappling with refugee crises, demonstrating the power of innovative approaches to humanitarian challenges.