It was a great honour to receive @BarhamSalih UN High Commissioner for @Refugees on his first field mission to Kakuma Municipality 🇰🇪, together with H.E. @DrJohnErus, Deputy Governor, @TurkanaCountyKE; Hon. @NanokEpuyoCBS, MP for Turkana West; Ms. Mercy Mwasaru, Commissioner @DRSKenya; Rt. Hon. Charles Ewoi, Speaker @TurkanaAssembly; Mr. Julius Kavita, Turkana County Commissioner; national and county officials; and representatives of refugee and host communities.
This visit comes at a critical time. It emphasizes the importance of field‑driven leadership and approaches that center protection, dignity, opportunity, and solutions in humanitarian and development responses. Importantly, it highlights the resilience of refugees and host communities in building better futures. It also reflects the steadfast efforts of UNHCR and our humanitarian and development partner teams – amid the complex challenges in Kakuma, across Kenya, and globally.
Kenya’s leadership and commendable efforts on refugee inclusion, through national and county systems (#ShirkaPlan and #KISEDP) supporting shared services and inclusive socioeconomic development, demonstrate pathways for local-led solutions that move from aid dependency toward self‑reliance. From protection, education, and health services to youth and women empowerment, sports, livelihoods, durable solutions, and localization empowering refugees and host communities – these efforts need greater international support to create the conditions for communities to contribute, pursue their aspirations, and build inclusive, just, and peaceful societies.
UNHCR remains grateful to the Government of Kenya and will continue working closely with national and county leadership, communities, and partners to promote protection and solutions, and supporting the socioeconomic inclusion of refugees and host communities.
UNHCR is grateful to the @EUCouncil Working Groups on Development and Humanitarian Affairs for visiting Kakuma.
🙏🏾 Thank you @EU_Commission 🇪🇺 for the critical support that helps protect and assist thousands of refugees and host communities in Kenya and beyond.
Multiplying Impact: Honored to host inspiring #DAFI alumni and current Ministers in Jubaland,Somalia- Honorables @HonAbdirahmanA and @saaidhassan21 for a courtesy call as we explore new ways to advance our mission and multiply impact across communities.#FromScholarsToLeaders
On this #WorldHumanitarianDay,
I can't think of a better person to celebrate than Mwalimu @MohanudHure of @EAA_Foundation.
I first met him in the early 2000s then a classroom teacher in Dadaab, Serving displaced children with passion, resilience and deep humility.
Mwalimu, You are a true champion of hope.
Keep going in Shaa Allah.
One board.
Thirty-two pieces.
Endless possibilities.
In Kakuma, young refugee girls are using chess to shape their futures - one bold move at a time. ♟One board.
Thirty-two pieces.
Endless possibilities.
In Kakuma, young refugee girls are using chess to shape their futures - one bold move at a time. ♟One board.
Thirty-two pieces.
Endless possibilities.
In Kakuma, young refugee girls are using chess to shape their futures - one bold move at a time. ♟One board.
Thirty-two pieces.
Endless possibilities.
In Kakuma, young refugee girls are using chess to shape their futures - one bold move at a time. ♟One board.
Thirty-two pieces.
Endless possibilities.
In Kakuma, young refugee girls are using chess to shape their futures - one bold move at a time. ♟️
📝 Nyakuel wants to be a journalist.
👩⚕️Sadio dreams of being a maternity nurse.
🏀 Awak is already a basketball star in the making.
💻 Nifasha plans to be a nurse and master computers too.
Education gives them the tools. Their hard work and determination does the rest.
♟️“If I were a chess piece…”♟️
From queens to pawns, these refugee students in Kakuma know that every move and every person matters.
💭 On #WorldChessDay, they remind us: even small steps can change the game.Carol
UNHCR is being forced to scale back operations.
We’re prioritizing life-saving aid, but the gap has driven operations to the brink, also jeopardizing efforts aimed at achieving self reliance.
https://t.co/dErHNy5vB9
When you visit countries and communities devastated by conflicts and violence, and listen to people forced to flee, you can only agree with late Madiba: “It is easy to break down and destroy. The heroes are those who make peace and build”.
#Peace#Dignity#MandelaDay
#DayoftheAfricanChild
All children deserve to grow up with dignity, support, and a fair chance, including refugee children like Gabriel, who aspires to be a lawyer in the future.
Today and always, no child should be left behind. #WithRefugees.
Sport breaks barriers, defies stereotypes, and reduces stigma.
Every refugee, with or without disabilities, deserves the chance to play, compete, and thrive. Let’s make sports accessible for all!
“My favorite subjects are sciences because they tell facts.”
Meet Eunice, a Ugandan refugee and aspiring surgeon at Tumaini Girls School in Kakuma. Supported by TELUS, the school empowers 300+ girls from 10+ countries with quality & digital education. #EducationDay
"I love journalism... when I return to South Sudan, I want to be one of the best journalists.”
Education empowers young refugees like Nyakuel to dream beyond displacement.
#EducationDay
"It’s my best friend—I love it." 💻
Akiol and Sadia, refugee students in an Instant Network School in Kakuma, Kenya, dream big with digital tools to thrive!
Powered by UNHCR & @VodafoneFdn, this programme is helping to bridge the digital divide.
Over the past 18 months, the Chess for Protection Programme has achieved significant milestones, transforming the lives of refugees in Kakuma and Kalobeyei through the power of chess. #ChessForAll
🌟 Key Highlights:
♟️ Chess clubs established in all 37 schools, engaging over 2,100 students.
🏆 Refugee players earned FIDE ratings, with one crowned Kenya’s U-18 champion.
💡 Solar power installed, promoting sustainability.
🤝 Stronger partnerships with UNHCR and local organizations.
📚 Training and licensing of 7 national arbiters.
ℹ️ More info 🔗https://t.co/MtCuJSerYJ
The "Instant Network School" programme was set up in 2013 by @VodafoneFdn and @Refugees, to give young refugees and host communities and their teachers access to digital learning content and the internet.
In Kakuma, students in 6 Instant Network Schools have access to💻
Congratulations Dr. @Faiza_A_Hassan on your well deserved appointment as the new Director of the Inter-agency Network for Education in Emergencies (INEE).
May Allah make it easy for you as you bring hope & promote quality education for all persons affected by crisis.
#DiplomacyInActionKE marking 60 years of @KenyaGov's diplomacy.
Kenya can also celebrate being an exemplary refugee-hosting country. Thank you for creating an environment where refugees are included and can prosper alongside their hosts.
It was a pleasure reconnecting with my longtime friend, Mwalimu @MohanudHure, Here in Doha this evening.
He has been a steadfast supporter of both me and my course since my high school days back in 2003.
MashAllah. May Allah continue to protect him. @nhialgdeng@AliDualleh