Refugee Consortium of Kenya (RCK)

RCK is an NGO dedicated to protecting & promoting the well-being, voice & dignity of the displaced & host populations. Tweets by the Communications Team

[Refugee Consortium of Kenya (RCK) @RCKKenya]

@RCKKenya extends its gratitude to the President, & the Govt of Kenya for the progressive steps towards entrenching legal protection and management of refugees in Kenya & the region at large by signing into law the the Refugees Bill 2019. #refugeebill
More:https://t.co/P5wixE1BeC

[Refugee Consortium of Kenya (RCK) @RCKKenya]

Effective counseling is not about solving a client's problems but empowering them to find their own solutions through empathy, active listening, confidentiality, and ethical practice.

@RCKKenya, in partnership with the IKEA Foundation, concluded an intensive capacity-building training on basic #counseling skills and #Psychological First Aid (PFA). Anchored in core psychosocial principles, the session brought together 30 community health workers and community-based counselors in Dadaab to evaluate real-world care delivery successes and address the practical bottlenecks limiting effective mental health support.

Building on these core concepts, the training provided an interactive platform to translate empathy, confidentiality, and active listening into actionable community care. Participants highlighted pressing operational barriers, including how distressed individuals are frequently locked out of immediate support, while underscoring the urgent need to embed ethical counseling principles and "Do No Harm" practices at the frontline.

Delving deeper into these field-level challenges, participants scrutinized the systemic gaps that exacerbate psychosocial distress. Key issues identified included the mishandling of acute crisis cases due to weak communication skills, poor confidentiality practices, and inadequate preparation before escalating complex cases to professional counselors.

To address these gaps, participants established a strategic roadmap to shift from workshop-based learning to direct, field-level impact. The agreed-upon framework prioritizes continuous advocacy for standard PFA action principles – Prepare, Look, Listen, and Link – alongside localized refresher training and structured supervision across refugee-hosting centres to elevate the quality of care.

Looking forward, partners remain committed to transitioning community-based support towards mentorship-driven systems. This includes creating safe feedback spaces, building local capacity, engaging incentive workers, and establishing robust referral pathways for complex mental health cases. Ultimately, this hands-on framework ensures a sustainable, dignified ecosystem where holistic well-being is fully accessible to both refugee and host communities.

#MentalHealthAwareness #communityHealth
@MOH_Kenya @UNHCR_Kenya @hesedafrica @HIASAfrica @drkenya @mental360kenya @KenyaGovernors @NLinKenya @denmarkinkenya
@giz_gmbh @HakiKNCHR @RefugePt

[Refugee Consortium of Kenya (RCK) @RCKKenya]

🤝Strengthening Inclusive Governance Starts with Inclusive Participation. Together with the @TurkanaAssembly and partners, @RCKKenya is supporting a three-day training and public sensitization programme on the amended County Assembly Standing Orders, strengthening meaningful public participation and advancing the inclusion of refugees and host communities in county governance.

The training has convened representatives from refugee-led organizations (RLOs), community-based organizations (CBOs), development partners, and leaders from both refugee and host communities to build their understanding of the amended Standing Orders and their implications for legislative processes, citizen engagement, and accountable governance.

The revised Standing Orders represent a major milestone in advancing refugee inclusion by providing a framework through which refugees can meaningfully participate in county governance, including petitioning the County Assembly on matters affecting service delivery and their wellbeing.

Speaking during the session, @RCKKenya Field Coordinator -Kakuma Operations @AmbasuMitch appreciated the County Assembly of Turkana for embracing progressive reforms that strengthen participatory governance and institutionalize the inclusion of refugees within county legislative processes.

"The inclusion of refugees in the Standing Orders is a progressive milestone that strengthens inclusive governance and improves access to responsive service delivery. It demonstrates the County Assembly's commitment to ensuring that everyone, regardless of status, has an opportunity to participate in decisions that affect their lives. RCK remains committed to supporting the County Assembly of Turkana in advancing progressive policies that promote justice, inclusion, and equal participation," he said.

The Speaker of the County Assembly of Turkana, Rt. Hon. Charles Lokioto, reaffirmed the Assembly's commitment to building a more accessible, inclusive, and people-centred institution, emphasizing that public participation is a constitutional right and a fundamental pillar of democratic governance. He expressed appreciation to @RCKKenya , @UNHCR_Kenya and development partners for their continued support in strengthening participatory governance within the county.

The training reflects the collective commitment of the County Assembly of Turkana, and development partners to strengthen inclusive governance by creating platforms where refugees and host communities can actively engage in public affairs.

#InclusiveGovernance #PublicParticipation #RefugeeInclusion

@denmarkinkenya @TurkanaCountyKE @PlanKenya @KanereNews @Locham_David @filmaidkenya @drckenya @BOMA_ngo @giz_gmbh @UNDP @NRC_EAY @ECHO_CESAfrica @KenyaGovernors @relon_kenya @YVKakuma

[Refugee Consortium of Kenya (RCK) @RCKKenya]

Meaningful reform requires sustained collaboration between legislators, government institutions, constitutional commissions, civil society, and development partners.

This engagement goes beyond identifying challenges. It seeks to build consensus on priority legislative and policy recommendations that will strengthen Gender-Based Violence prevention and response, improve access to justice, and promote refugee-inclusive governance.
As part of our advocacy work, @RCKKenya remains committed to supporting evidence-informed policy processes that strengthen accountability, influence legislative reform, and ensure that women and girls in refugee and host communities are protected under the law.

#KeepingHopealive
@inuajamiike @UraiaTrust @amwaafrika @NPSOfficial_KE @denmarkinkenya @giz_gmbh @IKEA @TurkanaAssembly @KenyaGovernors @DRSKenya @FondazioneAVSI @BrighterMonKE @Equal_Reach @RESCUEorg @JesuitRefugee @ki4bli @KituoSheria @MigrationPulseH @NRC_EAY @PWJ_Kenya @RefugeeInvest @NCIC_Kenya @WeAreRefuSHE @ECHO_CESAfrica @UNHCR_Kenya @GarissaGov @Garissapress @LabourSPKE @ImmigrationDept @NLinKenya @KEWOPA @NGECKenya @Gvrckenya @gender_ke @NCAJ_KE

[Refugee Consortium of Kenya (RCK) @RCKKenya]

Women and girls affected by forced displacement often face multiple barriers to safety, justice, and essential services. Addressing these challenges requires more than good intentions, it requires laws and policies that are inclusive, responsive, and effectively implemented the @RCKKenya is convening a high-level policy dialogue with the Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA), bringing together legislators, government institutions, constitutional commissions, and development partners to strengthen legal and policy frameworks that protect women and girls in refugee and host communities.
Convened under the Haki na Ushirikiano Project, with support from the @NLinKenya and implemented in partnership with the @HakiKNCHR , the dialogue reinforces @RCKKenya commitment to advancing evidence-based policy advocacy that promotes inclusion, gender equality, and access to justice.

The discussions focus on strengthening the implementation of the Refugees Act, 2021, while identifying policy and legislative reforms to address gaps in the Sexual Offences Act (2006) and the Prohibition of FGM Act (2011), and the National Policy on Gender and Development. The dialogue also seeks to strengthen institutional accountability and ensure that national legal frameworks respond to the protection needs of women and girls affected by forced displacement.
The forum has brought together representatives from @KEWOPA, @NGECKenya @Gvrckenya , @gender_ke , @NCAJ_KE , and other key stakeholders committed to advancing gender-responsive governance.

Through this engagement, stakeholders will develop priority policy recommendations and joint advocacy actions to strengthen Gender-Based Violence prevention and response, improve access to justice, and promote refugee-inclusive legislation. The outcomes will support sustained parliamentary engagement and contribute to legal reforms that uphold the rights, dignity, and protection of women and girls in Kenya's refugee and host communities.

#KeepingHopealive #RefugeeInclusion

@inuajamiike @UraiaTrust @amwaafrika @NPSOfficial_KE @denmarkinkenya @giz_gmbh @IKEA @TurkanaAssembly @KenyaGovernors @DRSKenya @FondazioneAVSI @BrighterMonKE @Equal_Reach @RESCUEorg @JesuitRefugee @ki4bli @KituoSheria @Kiva @Konexio_eu @MigrationPulseH @NRC_EAY @PWJ_Kenya @RefugeeInvest @NCIC_Kenya @WeAreRefuSHE @ECHO_CESAfrica @UNHCR_Kenya @KAM_Kenya @GarissaGov @Garissapress @KNQAuthority @LabourSPKE @ImmigrationDept

[Refugee Consortium of Kenya (RCK) @RCKKenya]

🗞️Transforming Policy into Practice, Driving Long-Term Self-Reliance for the Refugees and Host Community in Kenya.

We recently wrapped up a 2-day national stakeholder dialogue on sustainability and socio-economic rights, exploring field evidence from the ABLI-G II Consortium and the annual trend report 2025 supported by @EUinKenya.

The intensive session brought together at least 28 key implementing partners and stakeholders, including @DRSKenya @drckenya @inkomokoKenya @ReDSS_HoA @RESCUEorg @HakiKNCHR @SafaricomPLC @BrighterMonKE @amahorocoalition @KAM_Kenya @GarissaGov @KenyaGovernors @_GarissaCounty and refugee-led organisations to evaluate real-world integration successes and dissect the structural bottlenecks limiting long-term self-reliance.

The forum provided an opportunity to translate systemic economic vulnerabilities into actionable institutional reforms. Delegates tackled pressing barriers, such as how low-social-capital refugees are frequently locked out of opportunities and the need ya market linkages of existing beneficiaries na kucreate value chains.

Participants heavily scrutinized the systemic gaps reinforcing economic exclusion, such as the exclusion of refugee data from the Integrated Population Registration System (IPRS), which completely blocks access to basic financial services, alongside blanket business levies and inadequate private sector engagement in policy design.

Looking ahead, partners established a strategic roadmap that aimed to shift from dialogue to direct, multi-sectoral action. The agreed-upon framework prioritizes continuous advocacy for IPRS integration, localized DRS data systems, and the adoption of tailored zoning licensing policies in refugee-hosting counties to ease high levies.

Moving forward, partners are committed to transitioning the One-Stop-Shop (OSS) model to municipalities or government-driven, including the creation of Huduma centres, building county capacity, and engaging the private sector. Also, establish robust capability assessments for RLOs to absorb funding; this hands-on framework ensures a permanent, self-reliant ecosystem where shared prosperity is fully accessible to both refugee and host communities.

Read more about the annual trend: https://t.co/5r2dRPzqg8

@FondazioneAVSI @BrighterMonKE @Equal_Reach @RESCUEorg @JesuitRefugee @ki4bli @KituoSheria @Kiva @Konexio_eu @MigrationPulseH @NRC_EAY @PWJ_Kenya @RefugeeInvest @WeAreRefuSHE
@hope2shine @WorldRelief @Vodafone_LEJOG @KeEquityBank @SafaricomFDN @KCBInKenya @KBCChannel1 @citizentvkenya @K24Tv @ntvkenya
@StandardKenya @NationAfrica @ECHO_CESAfrica
@UNHCR_Kenya @KAM_Kenya @GarissaGov
@KenyaGovernors @Garissapress @KNQAuthority
@LabourSPKE @ImmigrationDept

[Refugee Consortium of Kenya (RCK) @RCKKenya]

When the call came to support refugees, we knew that our capabilities had a role to play. Beyond our organizational commitments, we have also made global commitments. For example, at the Global Refugee Forum, we pledged to promote the digital and financial inclusion of refugees. Having made those commitments, it became our responsibility to translate them into action," @SafaricomPLC, Regulatory and public policy Manager, Daisy Ogola.

@FondazioneAVSI @BrighterMonKE @Equal_Reach @RESCUEorg @JesuitRefugee @ki4bli @KituoSheria @Kiva @Konexio_eu @MigrationPulseH @NRC_EAY @PWJ_Kenya @RefugeeInvest @WeAreRefuSHE @hope2shine @WorldRelief @Vodafone_LEJOG @KeEquityBank @SafaricomFDN @KCBInKenya @KBCChannel1 @citizentvkenya @K24Tv @ntvkenya @StandardKenya @NationAfrica @ECHO_CESAfrica @UNHCR_Kenya @DRSKenya @drckenya @inkomokoKenya @ReDSS_HoA @RESCUEorg @HakiKNCHR @amahorocoalition @KAM_Kenya @GarissaGov @KenyaGovernors @Garissapress @KNQAuthority @LabourSPKE @ImmigrationDept

[Refugee Consortium of Kenya (RCK) @RCKKenya]

"In Dadaab, the One-Stop Shop model has demonstrated the importance of bringing services closer to refugees and host communities. So far, we have conducted 11 One-Stop Shop outreaches, which, although resource-intensive, have reached at least 378 people.

In camps where the refugee population is concentrated, and movement restrictions remain in place, we have collaborated directly with financial institutions and government agencies to take services close to the community. These partners provide services ranging from KRA registration and financial inclusion to business advisory support and SIM card registration," - @RCKKenya Dadaab Project Coordinator, Solomon Njombai.

@FondazioneAVSI @BrighterMonKE @Equal_Reach @RESCUEorg @JesuitRefugee @ki4bli @KituoSheria @Kiva @Konexio_eu @MigrationPulseH @NRC_EAY @PWJ_Kenya @RefugeeInvest @WeAreRefuSHE @hope2shine @WorldRelief @Vodafone_LEJOG @KeEquityBank @SafaricomFDN @KCBInKenya @KBCChannel1 @citizentvkenya @K24Tv @ntvkenya @StandardKenya @NationAfrica @ECHO_CESAfrica @UNHCR_Kenya @DRSKenya @drckenya @inkomokoKenya @ReDSS_HoA @RESCUEorg @HakiKNCHR @amahorocoalition @KAM_Kenya @GarissaGov @KenyaGovernors @Garissapress @KNQAuthority @LabourSPKE @ImmigrationDept

[Refugee Consortium of Kenya (RCK) @RCKKenya]

"We have already registered at least 200,000 refugees. In addition, more than 2,000 refugee businesses have been enabled with merchant tills, PayBill numbers, or related business services.

The work continues because awareness remains critical. Many refugees are still learning that they now have the legal right to own SIM cards and access mobile financial services," - @SafaricomPLC, Regulatory and public policy Manager, Daisy Ogola.

@FondazioneAVSI @BrighterMonKE @Equal_Reach @RESCUEorg @JesuitRefugee @ki4bli @KituoSheria @Kiva @Konexio_eu @MigrationPulseH @NRC_EAY @PWJ_Kenya @RefugeeInvest @WeAreRefuSHE @hope2shine @WorldRelief @Vodafone_LEJOG @KeEquityBank @SafaricomFDN @KCBInKenya @KBCChannel1 @citizentvkenya @K24Tv @ntvkenya @StandardKenya @NationAfrica @ECHO_CESAfrica @UNHCR_Kenya @DRSKenya @drckenya @inkomokoKenya @ReDSS_HoA @RESCUEorg @HakiKNCHR @amahorocoalition @KAM_Kenya @GarissaGov @KenyaGovernors @Garissapress @KNQAuthority @LabourSPKE @ImmigrationDept

[Refugee Consortium of Kenya (RCK) @RCKKenya]

"We must now move beyond dialogue to concrete action. Issues such as the cost of doing business within refugee settings need to be reconsidered. Small daily fees and administrative costs add up and can become a burden that limits enterprise growth.

Ultimately, we need to ask ourselves a hard question: are we ready to go beyond the current approach? Because if we truly want inclusion, then refugees must not only be seen as people we host but as people we empower to participate fully in our economy and society," - Deputy Governor, @_GarissaCounty, Abdi Dagane Muhumed.

@FondazioneAVSI @BrighterMonKE @Equal_Reach @RESCUEorg @JesuitRefugee @ki4bli @KituoSheria @Kiva @Konexio_eu @MigrationPulseH @NRC_EAY @PWJ_Kenya @RefugeeInvest @WeAreRefuSHE @SaveChildren_KE @hope2shine @WorldRelief @Vodafone_LEJOG @KeEquityBank @SafaricomFDN @KCBInKenya @KBCChannel1 @citizentvkenya @K24Tv @ntvkenya @StandardKenya @NationAfrica @ECHO_CESAfrica @UNHCR_Kenya @DRSKenya @drckenya @inkomokoKenya @ReDSS_HoA @RESCUEorg @HakiKNCHR @amahorocoalition @KAM_Kenya @GarissaGov @KenyaGovernors @Garissapress

[Refugee Consortium of Kenya (RCK) @RCKKenya]

"As a county community and as a country, Kenya has often been portrayed with both positive and negative narratives regarding refugees—issues such as environmental pressure, competition over scarce resources, land concerns, and business competition are frequently raised.

As a host county, we have indeed borne some of these challenges. However, we are also very content and proud to live alongside our brothers and sisters from across the border who are facing difficulties," - Deputy Governor, @_GarissaCounty, Abdi Dagane Muhumed.

@FondazioneAVSI @BrighterMonKE @Equal_Reach @RESCUEorg @JesuitRefugee @ki4bli @KituoSheria @Kiva @Konexio_eu @MigrationPulseH @NRC_EAY @PWJ_Kenya @RefugeeInvest @WeAreRefuSHE @SaveChildren_KE @hope2shine @WorldRelief @Vodafone_LEJOG @KeEquityBank @SafaricomFDN @KCBInKenya @KBCChannel1 @citizentvkenya @K24Tv @ntvkenya @StandardKenya @NationAfrica @ECHO_CESAfrica @UNHCR_Kenya @DRSKenya @drckenya @inkomokoKenya @ReDSS_HoA @RESCUEorg @HakiKNCHR @amahorocoalition @KAM_Kenya @GarissaGov @KenyaGovernors @Garissapress

[Refugee Consortium of Kenya (RCK) @RCKKenya]

"If we invested in roads, infrastructure, schools, electricity, and economic systems within refugee-hosting areas, we would unlock significant potential. We are talking about an economy worth billions, with thousands of micro and small enterprises already operating within these areas.

We should facilitate refugees' access to financial systems, including bank accounts. In a modern economy, access to financial services should not be determined solely by status," - Deputy Governor, @_GarissaCounty, Abdi Dagane Muhumed.

@FondazioneAVSI @BrighterMonKE @Equal_Reach @RESCUEorg @JesuitRefugee @ki4bli @KituoSheria @Kiva @Konexio_eu @MigrationPulseH @NRC_EAY @PWJ_Kenya @RefugeeInvest @WeAreRefuSHE @SaveChildren_KE @hope2shine @WorldRelief @Vodafone_LEJOG @KeEquityBank @SafaricomFDN @KCBInKenya @KBCChannel1 @citizentvkenya @K24Tv @ntvkenya @StandardKenya @NationAfrica @ECHO_CESAfrica @UNHCR_Kenya @DRSKenya @drckenya @inkomokoKenya @ReDSS_HoA @RESCUEorg @HakiKNCHR @amahorocoalition @KAM_Kenya @GarissaGov @KenyaGovernors @Garissapress

[Refugee Consortium of Kenya (RCK) @RCKKenya]

"The ABLI G project has supported at least 4000 community partners, both the host community and #refugees in Garissa County. It has supported skills development for young men and women, helping to enhance employability and entrepreneurship capacity.

There has been strong support for legal and policy frameworks, particularly in institutional strengthening and governance," - @RCKKenya Director of Programmes Catherine Njoroge.

@FondazioneAVSI @BrighterMonKE @Equal_Reach @RESCUEorg @JesuitRefugee @ki4bli @KituoSheria @Kiva @Konexio_eu @MigrationPulseH @NRC_EAY @PWJ_Kenya @RefugeeInvest @WeAreRefuSHE @SaveChildren_KE @hope2shine @WorldRelief @Vodafone_LEJOG @KeEquityBank @SafaricomFDN @KCBInKenya @KBCChannel1 @citizentvkenya @K24Tv @ntvkenya @StandardKenya @NationAfrica
@ECHO_CESAfrica @UNHCR_Kenya @DRSKenya @drckenya @inkomokoKenya @ReDSS_HoA @RESCUEorg @HakiKNCHR @amahorocoalition @KAM_Kenya @GarissaGov @KenyaGovernors