Kenya

REFUGEE HOST COMMUNITIES - JOINT UN AGENCIES PROJECT

The host communities in Turkana North, Fafi and Lagdera districts are characterized by widespread poverty, with absolute poverty at 74%; high level of dependency on relief food; scarcity of water supply for both for livestock and human consumption. Since the establishment of the refugee camp in 1992 adjacent to Kakuma town in Turkana North and Dadaab/Fafi, there has been an increase in rural-urban migration in search of food, employment and other services in the camps. This has resulted in increased urban destitution, family separation, child labour, and increased petty crimes, resulting in a significant break down of the social fabric. The presence of the camp resulted in an increase in population density in the area surrounding the camp. For example the population of Kakuma town grew form 5000 in 1991 to approximately 40,000 by the year 2000. The population of Dadaab refugee camp now stands at almost 200,000.

The increased feeling of marginalization amongst Turkana and Dadaab people compounds the problem. The community views the international agencies with wariness, and believes that the refugees are leading a better life than they are, characterized by their adequate access to social services. Hostilities, latent and violent conflicts often characterize the relationship between the two communities.

UNICEF, UNHCR, WFP and UNDP WORKING TOGETHER
This joint project is an effort to neutralize the perceived imbalances by replicating some of these facilities and services in the host communities. Focus is mainly on Water, Health, Sanitation, Education, Peace Building, Food Security and Environment.This is interagency project involves 4 UN agencies namely UNICEF, UNHCR, WFP and UNDP as the Administrative Agent. The Government is represented by Arid Lands Resource Management Project II under the Office of the Prime Minister. Each of the participating UN agencies and the government share out the project activities in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between all parties.

MITIGATING ARMED CONFLICT IN GARISSA

Main cause of conflict in Garissa district is over livestock, pasture and watering points. This is a common problem throughout the pastoral regions, which stretch across northern Kenya. UNDP works together with the Office of the President-Government, Pastoralists People Development Initiative,ARID LANDS secretariat and civil society to prevent and reduce the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, decrease national and cross-border conflicts, reduce community risks and increase development and progress.The Enhanced Security Unit of UNDP, Kenya has initiated project which empowers communities in Garissa by giving them 40,000 Kenya Shillings to explore alternative means of livelihood. Women and youth are the main targets. Click here for a pictorial report on the Garissa Mission on 17-21 September 2006.

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