At times seen as a threat to security, the Refugees in Kenya might actually be a blessing in disguise if the latest agreement between the ministry of Devolution and the World Bank is anything to go by.
According to the agreement, Counties hosting refugees will receive Sh10 billion.
“We have received Sh10 billion from the World Bank to help counties hosting refugees at the borders, especially Kakuma and Dadaab camps,” Devolution CS Eugene Wamalwa said.
Eugene spoke on Tuesday when he launched the Kenya Development Response to Displacement Impact Project in Lodwar, Turkana county.
“I know the host community has been experiencing a lot difficulties hosting thousands of refugees from the neighbouring countries such as South Sudan, Ethiopia, Congo and Somalia,” he said.
The cash will be used to improve health care, food security and access to water for both refugees and the host communities.
Eugene said Turkana, which hosts Kakuma camp, will receive Sh3.2 billion to curb challenges affecting them.
“I’m shocked to learn that the refugees at Kakuma Camp have access to clean water for domestic use, but the host community cannot access water. The project will ensure the host community is prioritized in access of water, health and food security through irrigation schemes,” he said.
Turkana West MP Daniel Nanok said, “The host community has faced a lot challenges and hopes the Sh3.2 billion allocated for Kakuma Refugee Camp will help the entire Turkana West.”
The partnership comes just a month after UN Habitat and United Nation High Commissioner for Refugees agreed to put up 2,000 permanent houses for refugees at the Kalobeiyie settlement in Kakuma, Turkana West.
The UN Habitat last year reached an agreement with renowned Japanese architect and 2014 Pritzker Prize winner Shigeru Ban to come up with new designs to replace the current shelters.
Shigeru came up with five different designs and constructed a unit for each. Among the designs is one made from ‘mathenge’ branches, which was motivated by the Turkana manyattas technique.
“I love the look and it’s easy to make, but the house lacks privacy,” Shigeru said. The house is made using branches, hence leaving spaces in between. “The design can, however, be good for classrooms or a public setup,” Shigeru said.
His second design was made of paper tubes, which he said was not appropriate for the area due to the costs involved. “The material can only be brought from Nairobi, and that would be very expensive,” he said.
Do you think World Bank’s funding will help transform lives in the Refugee camping areas?
