Following a meeting held in Nairobi last week between Kenya and Somalia ministries of foreign affairs, it is now evident that the global refugee agency might have given a new lifeline regarding the Dadaab refugee camp.
Availability of funds to effect the entire repatriation process, providing incentives have emerged as the biggest hurdles that could delay the process further. Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Secretary announced that from the Sh20 billion shillings required for the repatriation, the country would only foot Sh1 billion.
This emerging funding crisis indicates that Kenya’s refugee situation is rather complex with no easy and immediate solutions. For several humanitarian reasons, it is very difficult for any state to block distressed women, men and children fleeing from continued conflicts or famines.
With many interested partners in the process, any visible hint of refugee mistreatment by Kenyan government may attract international furore that can lead to any donor agencies to recoil and reconsider their support. Owing to Kenya's reputation as an island of peace and relative economic stability, the country has always been the natural choice for individuals fleeing conflict and famine.