This archive report was first published on 30 June 2020.
Give Refugees a Home in Kenya ¶
June 30, 2020
Kenya's reputation for warm hospitality is well-known, but it's not just limited to tourists and friends. The country has a long history of welcoming refugees, and this June, the world marked World Refugee Day amidst the coronavirus pandemic.
Since World War II, the global number of refugees has increased significantly, with an estimated 26 million people displaced as of 2020. In Kenya, the government has consistently followed an open door policy for refugees, mainly from East African countries.
However, some people view the influx of refugees as an economic burden. But, as President Kenyatta has shown, it can also bring economic opportunities if managed well.
Kenya has partnered with international organizations like the International Labour Organisation (ILO), UNHCR, UNICEF, and the World Bank to implement the Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework. This new approach focuses on long-term solutions, including integrating refugees into the local labour force.
Refugees bring valuable skills that can benefit the local economy, as seen in the case of Albert Einstein, who was once a refugee fleeing persecution. The government plans to promote economic growth and employment by improving infrastructure development in refugee communities and incorporating refugees into the workforce.
By enabling refugees to become more integrated in the local economy, Kenya's economy will also prosper. The new policy will ensure that there are proper mechanisms for skills recognition and pairing people with skills to the appropriate employers and other opportunities.
As a nation guided by the morals of the Bible, it's essential that we never forget how far we have come ourselves. Sharing what we have with generosity, grace, and selflessness is the Kenyan way.
Ms. Benyawa is a journalist.
