Building Evidence to Enhance the Welfare of Refugees and Host Communities in Kenya - Insights from Two Waves of the Kenya Longitudinal Socioeconomic Study

Countries: Kenya, Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Somalia, South Sudan Sources: UN High Commissioner for Refugees, World Bank Please refer to the attached file. As Aid Shrinks, Jobs Become Central to Self-reliance for Host Communities and Refugees in Kenya STORY HIGHLIGHTS In Kenya, poverty and joblessness remain entrenched among host communities and refugees, especially in camps, while humanitarian assistance has declined. Jobs are disappearing in labor markets shared by host communities and refugees: refugee employment has collapsed, while host communities face persistently weak job prospects. The Shirika Plan is a historic opportunity, but self reliance will remain out of reach without jobs. Success hinges on enabling work through enhanced mobility, private investment, and targeted, shock responsive support. NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenya is entering a decisive moment in its response to forced displacement. As the country shifts from an encampment-based model toward integrated settlements under the Shirika Plan, new evidence points to a central risk: without jobs, the current drop in aid is translating into deeper poverty rather than self‑reliance for both host communities and refugees. A recent study produced through a collaboration between the World Bank, UNHCR, and the Center for Effective Global Action draws on two waves of a panel survey conducted between 2022 and 2024. By following the same refugee and host households over time, the study provides rare insight into how welfare and coping strategies are evolving as humanitarian aid tightens, shocks intensify, and local economies come under strain. Why this evidence matters now As of April 2026, Kenya was host to 847,780 refugees and asylum seekers , mostly in areas with the weakest lab...

Original source: Relief Web