REFUGEE STAKEHOLDERS FORUM ORGANIZED BY UNHCR IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE GOVERNMENT OF KENYA

Yesterday, UNHCR in conjunction with the Refugee Secretariat Affairs (RAS) - Government Of Kenya organised a Refugee Stakeholders Forum at Nairobi Museum Who’s key Agendas were sustainability, Dignity & Inclusion and aiming to Include all and empower all refugees .

One of the discussion highlight was one that kenya's best journalist/presenter Mrs Julie Gichuru moderated which focused on the days’ agenda.

Over the years the stigma around refugees has been that they are a burden and termed as people of low rank.

According to research done by IFC(International Finance Corporation) it shows how Kakuma is a marketplace that is not acted upon.

From the forum it was clearly evident that despite the financial and basic aid granted to refugees. It is time now to include them and really integrate them with the host. With this the refugees will be empowered to be self reliant. Many have capabilities but the chance to showcase them is what misses/lacks and this is the gap planned to be bridged.

Its is to bring dignity to refugees by them feeling appreciated as humans too, Treated with self worth and for them to be able to explore their capabilities and sustain themselves altogether.

IFC and UNHCR are hoping that the new study will raise awareness and interest across key private sector areas, such as telecoms, mobile money, health, education, housing and power, on Kakuma as a market opportunity. The hope is that the study will start a dialogue on how the private sector actors can contribute to finding solutions for refugees in Kenya and outside of Kenya.-(this part of this article is derived from UNHCR official website).

Written by @emmanuelkwizera and compiled by @ishimwejeanmarie