President William Ruto has reaffirmed Kenya’s long-standing commitment to hosting refugees, describing the country as a welcoming and secure nation that has supported displaced populations for decades.
The President noted that for more than 40 years, Kenya has worked closely with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to assist tens of thousands of refugees and immigrants fleeing war, conflict and instability in neighbouring countries.
He said Kenya has provided them with safety, dignity and a stable environment, effectively offering a “home away from home.”
To further strengthen this commitment, President Ruto highlighted the launch of the Shirika Plan last year, an ambitious programme aimed at integrating refugees into local communities.
The plan seeks to promote self-reliance by supporting socio-economic inclusion for both refugees and host communities, shifting refugees from long-term dependency on aid to sustainable livelihoods.
“As this noble and ambitious plan is being rolled out, we call upon the international community to support its implementation,” the President said, emphasizing that shared global responsibility is critical to the plan’s success.
President Ruto made the remarks after meeting United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Barham Salih at State Lodge Sagana in Nyeri County, where they discussed refugee protection, integration and international cooperation.
