Kenya now hosts more than 823,000 refugees and asylum seekers, according to the 2024 Economic Survey released on Tuesday. This marks a 19.1% increase from 2023 and shows Kenya’s growing role as a safe place for people fleeing conflict in the Horn of Africa.
Most refugees come from Somalia and South Sudan. Somalia accounts for 56.9% of the refugee population, while South Sudan follows with 23.4%. Other countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, and Burundi also contribute to the rising numbers.
This increase reflects ongoing problems in the region, such as war, political instability, and lack of safety.
Where Refugees in Kenya Come From
The 2024 report shows a sharp jump from 691,868 refugees in 2023 to 823,932 in 2024. This is a 63.2% rise over the past four years. In 2020, the country hosted just over 500,000 refugees.
According to the State Department for Refugee Services, the refugee population in Kenya also includes people from Sudan, Uganda, Eritrea, and Rwanda. These countries make up about 3% of the total.
The number of refugee children grew by 22.4% in 2024, while the number of adult refugees rose by 15.5%.
Dadaab and Kakuma Host Most Refugees
Most refugees live in two large camps: Dadaab and Kakuma. Dadaab, located in Garissa County near the Somali border, hosts over half of the refugee population (50.5%). Kakuma, in Turkana County near South Sudan, is home to 36.2%.
The remaining 13.3% live in cities such as Nairobi, Mombasa, Eldoret, and Nakuru. These urban refugees often seek jobs, education, and better living conditions.
Challenges Facing the Refugee System
The report highlights one growing issue: double registration. This means that some people register more than once to get extra support or documents. This has become more common in Dadaab and Kakuma.
Despite these issues, Kenya continues to welcome people escaping danger. The country runs some of the world’s largest refugee camps and offers hope to thousands.
Support from the International Community
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) estimates that Kenya is now hosting around 843,000 refugees and asylum seekers. Many of them depend fully on humanitarian aid for food, housing, and healthcare.
In response, the European Union has pledged €14.5 million (about KSh2.1 billion) for 2025. This funding will help provide food, medical care, and other basic services in the camps and urban areas.
Regional Conflicts Continue to Drive Migration
Conflicts in Somalia and South Sudan are the main reasons for the increase in refugee numbers. Somalia has faced over three decades of violence, while South Sudan has dealt with civil war, famine, and political crisis since its independence in 2011.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, fighting between rebel groups and government forces has caused many families to flee. Ethiopia has also seen unrest in Tigray and other regions.
Even Burundi, a smaller country, has seen thousands leave due to political crackdowns and economic hardship.
Kenya’s Long History of Hosting Refugees
Kenya has a long history of offering shelter to people in need. Dadaab camp was first set up in 1991 during the Somali civil war. Kakuma camp was opened in 1992, mainly for South Sudanese refugees. Both camps were designed for tens of thousands of people but now host hundreds of thousands.
Over the years, Kenya has worked with the UN and aid groups to manage these camps. However, resources remain limited.
In 2021, the Kenyan government announced plans to close the camps, citing security and budget concerns. But after talks with the UN, the country shifted toward a new model called the “Shirika Plan,” which aims to integrate refugees into Kenyan society. This means giving them better access to jobs, schools, and health services.
