This archive report was first published on 28 October 2019.
Published on October 28, 2019, the South Sudanese civil war has left a trail of destruction, displacing over two million people who fled to neighboring countries, including Ethiopia, Kenya, Sudan, and Uganda in search of safety.
Although the war has subsided, concerns remain about the long-term effects of the conflict on regional security, peace, and stability, potentially undermining the economic, political, and security interests of neighboring countries.
According to the UNHCR, Kenya hosts a significant number of South Sudanese refugees, with 90,181 registered in the country.
Residents of Nakuru are feeling the impact of the refugee influx, with many complaining about increased rent prices. Tenants report being forced to pay double the usual rates for plots with South Sudanese residents, leading them to seek cheaper alternatives.
A property agent, who wished to remain anonymous, attributed the higher rent prices to the behavior of some South Sudanese refugees. 'When we rent a house to Sudanese, we're risking the safety of our properties,' the agent said. 'Most of them are rude and violent, and don't easily pay for damages when requested. The only way out is to make them pay more, so that in case of damages, the house owners can comfortably do repairs.'
Residents are now calling on the government to take swift action to address the issue, given the country's economic challenges. During a recent public participation meeting, residents asked the government to restrict refugees or relocate them to camps in various towns, citing increased insecurity due to some refugees joining criminal gangs.
