Kenya’s Shirika Plan: A New Future for Refugees Beyond Dadaab and Kakuma?

For more than 30 years, Kenya has hosted hundreds of thousands of refugees, with Dadaab and Kakuma becoming two of the largest and longest-running refugee camps in the world. Now, Kenya is pursuing a bold new approach through the Shirika Plan, a policy framework aimed at moving beyond the traditional camp model by integrating refugees into local communities and economies. Supporters argue that the plan could restore dignity, promote self-reliance, and create shared opportunities for both refugees and host communities. Critics, however, caution that implementation will be complex and that significant social, economic, and political challenges remain. In this episode, we unpack what the Shirika Plan proposes, how it differs from previous refugee policies, and what it could mean for refugees, local communities, and Kenya’s future. We also explore whether this model could influence refugee policy across Africa and beyond. Our guest is Dr. Edwin Mutyenyoka, Senior Researcher at the Arnold Bergstraesser Institute, who shares insights into the opportunities, challenges, and broader implications of this landmark initiative.