Skip to main content

Why Kenya is Closing Dadaab, Kakuma Refugee Camps

Kenya government has given UNHCR 14-day ultimatum for the closure of Dadaab and Kakuma refugee camps. Kenya has cited national security threats as the reason behind its decision to shut down the two refugee camps.
According to Nation Media, the government has already written a letter to UNHCR. The camps should be closed within the stipulated time. Kenya and Somalia diplomatic rows set to escalate as the government plans to transport the over 500,000 Somali refugees to the border of Somali, upon the expiry of the 14-day period.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i conveyed the government’s decision to the UNHCR representative in Kenya, Fathiaa Abdalla on Tuesday. Matiang’i was accompanied by Interior Principal Secretary Karanja Kibicho and Chief Administrative Secretary Hussein Dado.
The decision signals the worsening relation between Kenya – Somalia relation and will likely trigger global alarm. The civil war in Somalia caused its citizens to flee and seek asylum in Kenya. 
Following increased terror attacks, the government of Kenya has repeatedly raised fingers against refugees based in Dadaab for hiding Al shabaab terrorists. 
Dadaab refugee camp in Garissa County was ranked by Wikipedia as the third largest refugee complex in the world in 2019. The camp was by then hosting more than 223,420 registered refugees and asylum seekers.

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Power of the Phone in Political Revolutions - a Case Study of Kenyan Genzs

Kenya's June 2024 #RejectFinanceBill2024 protests are Africa's clearest example of how the smartphone replaced the party, the podium and the press release as the engine of revolution. Unlike previous opposition-led protests, this was leaderless and tribeless, it would not have happened. 1. The Phone as Parliament a) Translation and Civic Education The Finance Bill 2024 was 100+ pages of tax jargon. On TikTok, Gen Zs broke it down in 60-second videos in English, Swahili, Sheng, and vernacular. They used ChatGPT to explain clauses like "16% VAT on bread" and "2.5% motor vehicle tax" to a boda rider in Kisumu and a student in Mombasa simultaneously. b) The Phonebook as a Weapon Activists leaked MPs' phone numbers on X. Influencer Amerix and others encouraged Kenyans to spam calls, SMS and WhatsApp with "Reject the Bill". Parliament's switchboard collapsed. It was direct digital lobbying - no need to march to Parliament when Parliament is in yo...
Post a Comment
Read more

Kenyans surprised over UDA's 'Voters Repair' remarks for President Ruto 2027 reelection

 Kenyans are reacting strongly to remarks by some UDA leaders that many interpret as hints at election manipulation ("ukarabati ya kura" / "voters repair") ahead of the 2027 presidential election. What Happened On or around May 23, 2026, NTV Kenya and other outlets aired footage from a UDA meeting at Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula's home.  Leaders including Savula and MP Charles Gimose reportedly used phrases like "tutafanya ukarabati ya kura" (we will repair/do maintenance on the votes).  Some comments referenced high victory margins in places like Tanzania under Samia Suluhu or Museveni-style wins. This has been widely seen as implying plans to "fix" or pad results in favor of President William Ruto's reelection, rather than a literal call for better voter registration or system maintenance. Public Reaction 1. Surprise and outrage: Many Kenyans on X and social media expressed shock, viewing it as arrogant or desperate signaling am...
Post a Comment
Read more

How to commercialize your prototype innovation in Kenya

Commercializing a prototype in Kenya involves transforming your innovation from a proof-of-concept stage into a marketable product or service that generates revenue. This process requires protecting your intellectual property (IP), validating market demand, securing funding, and selecting the right business model.  Kenya has a supportive ecosystem with government agencies, grants, and innovation hubs to help.  Below is a step-by-step guide based on established practices and resources. 1. Protect Your Intellectual Property (IP) Before commercialization, safeguard your innovation to prevent copying. In Kenya, IP protection is handled by the Kenya Industrial Property Institute (KIPI). Register your IP : File for patents, trademarks, copyrights, or industrial designs. Patents are crucial for inventions and provide a 20-year monopoly.  Start with a patent search to ensure novelty, then apply via KIPI's online portal. Costs range from KSh 3,000–50,000 depending on the type. Why...
Post a Comment
Read more