Department of Refugee Services

The Department of Refugee Services manages all protection services for refugees and asylum seekers in Kenya.

[Department of Refugee Services @DRSKenya]

Advancing inclusive refugee management in Kenya!

DRS, in collaboration with @RCKKenya and @VNGi today convened the National Shirika Plan Technical Committee to review the #ShirikaPlan Implementation Framework progress ahead of its validation.

[Department of Refugee Services @DRSKenya]

In a speech read on his behalf, PS for @C_ServicesKE Dr. Belio Kipsang said "Today is both a celebration and a call to action."

He called for greater global responsibility-sharing to support the #ShirikaPlan and ensure refugees and host communities thrive together.

[Department of Refugee Services @DRSKenya]

"Our message is simple: protect, include and empower refugees." Refugee representatives marked #RefugeeConvention75 by applauding Kenya's leadership.

Also called for faster access to documentation, healthcare, livelihoods and meaningful participation in shaping their future. 🇰🇪

[Department of Refugee Services @DRSKenya]

75 years ago today, the world adopted the 1951 Convention, the foundation of international refugee protection.

It continues to guide a refugee mgnt that protects refugees & asylum seekers those while upholding national security, the law. #ShirikaPlan #RefugeeConvention75

[Principal Secretary @PS_SDICS]

Today, I welcomed Ms. Fatima Mohammed Cole, the incoming UNHCR Country Representative to Kenya, during an introductory courtesy call. As she takes up her new role, we reflected on the longstanding partnership between the Government of Kenya and UNHCR and our shared commitment to advancing refugee protection and management.

Ms. Cole appreciated the significant progress Kenya has made in advancing the Shirika Plan, particularly efforts to expand access to education and health services for refugees and host communities. We reaffirmed the importance of sustaining this momentum as Kenya transitions towards a more integrated and development-oriented refugee management model.

Our discussions also focused on strengthening refugee registration and documentation, identity management and service delivery, alongside emerging challenges including funding gaps, increasing refugee arrivals and growing pressure on infrastructure and essential services in refugee-hosting areas. It is important that we continue to strengthen international responsibility-sharing, secure predictable financing and deepen collaboration in advancing durable solutions for refugees and host communities.

I was joined by Ms. Mercy Mwasaru, Ag. Commissioner, Directorate of Refugee Services (DRS), alongside the DRS technical team and representatives from UNHCR. We look forward to working closely with Ms. Cole and her team to further strengthen our partnership and advance sustainable, inclusive and secure refugee management in Kenya.

[Department of Refugee Services @DRSKenya]

Under the theme "Until Everyone is Safe," we reaffirm our commitment to protection, inclusion and solutions for refugees and host communities through the #ShirikaPlan.

#WorldRefugeeDay #UntilEveryoneIsSafe #RefugeesInKenya

[Department of Refugee Services @DRSKenya]

We mark the World Refugee Day 2026 in Nairobi at a time when numbers are increasing but resources continue to reduce #UntilEveryoneIsSafe ##ShirikaPlan

[Department of Refugee Services @DRSKenya]

Join us during #WorldRefugeeDay2026 as we celebrate resilience, inclusion and shared prosperity while showcasing the services and support available to refugees and asylum seekers in Kenya. ##ShirikaPlan

[Department of Refugee Services @DRSKenya]

Happy #Eidaladha

[Department of Refugee Services @DRSKenya]

On 28th April 2026, @FatimaMCole the new @UNHCR_Kenya country Rep met with the CRA Miss Mwasaru Mercy at her office.

The two pledged to work together to serve refugees and asylum seekers in Kenya especially on refugee protection and the implementation of the #ShirikaPlan.

[Department of Refugee Services @DRSKenya]

Wishing you a Happy Eid!

[State Dept for Immigration & Citizen Services @C_ServicesKE]

PS Dr. Belio Kipsang met with a World Bank delegation today, led by FCV Adviser Mr. Xavier Devictor, to reaffirm Kenya’s commitment to the Shirika Plan. The PS underscored that the plan’s success in fostering sustainable development and inclusion for refugees and host communities hinges on robust data systems and evidence-based decision-making.

The World Bank prioritizes addressing fragility, conflict, and violence (FCV) as a key strategy to reduce extreme poverty and promote shared prosperity. Forced displacement is a major dimension of FCV, with Kenya hosting large refugee populations whose vulnerabilities intersect with challenges such as food insecurity, climate change, and social inclusion.

The fundamental priority remains building the capacity of national systems, which are essential for leading project execution and ensuring effective resource allocation. By strengthening these institutions, the Government is transitioning from humanitarian aid to integrated, sustainable development for both refugees and host communities.

[Department of Refugee Services @DRSKenya]

@C_ServicesKE 6/6
With support from @RCKKenya and the Royal Danish Embassy, this induction strengthens capacity, coordination & policy coherence. Strong institutions mean stronger protection for refugees & host communities alike. 🇰🇪

[Department of Refugee Services @DRSKenya]

1/6
For 3 days, the DRS inducted Members of the Refugee Advisory Committee (RAC) under the Refugees Act, 2021. This statutory body advises the Cabinet Secretary on refugee policy & governance. 🇰🇪

[Department of Refugee Services @DRSKenya]

@C_ServicesKE 5/6
Guiding principles for RAC:
• Fidelity to the law
• Independence & objectivity
• Collective responsibility
• Balance between humanitarian duty & national interest
• Institutional respect

Sound advice strengthens institutions

[Department of Refugee Services @DRSKenya]

Government affirms commitment to #ShirikaPlan in a consultation on implementation matrix with Refugee Donor Group, UN & NGO partners at the Boma Inn.
The plan, now at transition phase aims for government-led service delivery benefiting both refugees & host communities.

[State Dept for Immigration & Citizen Services @C_ServicesKE]

The Principal Secretary Dr. Belio, today met with the Shirika Plan Implementation Steering Committee for a progress briefing on the Implementation of Shirika Plan.

The Committee provided an update on progress achieved and presented a clear roadmap to guide the next phase, with emphasis on strengthening coordination mechanisms, enhancing institutional preparedness, and ensuring an orderly and sustainable implementation process.

The Principal Secretary emphasized that the security and sovereign interests of the country remain paramount and must be safeguarded throughout the implementation process. He noted that while the Shirika Plan seeks to advance structured and lawful solutions, it must at all times uphold national stability and public safety.

He further highlighted the importance of aligning local leadership with the framework to promote inclusivity and shared ownership. He called for strengthened coordination through consolidation of resources within government systems to ensure accountability, efficiency, and equitable distribution.

Dr. Belio stressed that Shirika Plan implementation must remain firmly anchored in the Constitution of Kenya, the Refugees Act and applicable international legal frameworks.