Kenya shifts its refugee policy to focus on self-reliance
Kenya has approved a new national approach that moves away from long-term aid for refugees. A project in Turkana County is already showing how inclusive economic opportunities can benefit both refugees and local communities, especially women and youth.
For years, refugees in Kenya, many living in remote regions like Turkana County, have relied on humanitarian aid, with limited access to jobs or skills training. This has led to long-term dependency, especially among women and youth who face social and economic barriers to finding paid work or starting businesses.
Kenya is now changing its approach. On 11 March 2025, the Kenyan Cabinet approved a national strategy that promotes economic inclusion and self-reliance for both refugees and host communities. The plan marks a shirt from short-term aid to long-term development, enabling people to earn incomes, start businesses, and participate more fully in society.
In Turkana County, the International Trade Centre (ITC), with support from the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), is already putting this into action through the THRIVE Project. The project works with refugees and host communities through skills development in artisanal crafts, digital training, and beekeeping, helping participants generate income, and access wider markets.
One of the project’s strongest impacts is on young women entering the digital economy. ‘The digital skills training programme has been a life changing experience. Coming from a society where girl’s education is discouraged, this opportunity has empowered me to pursue financial independence through digital content creation,’ said one participant in the digital programme. Soon, graduates will be using their skills to promote the work of local artisans and beekeepers online, creating income opportunities for others while developing their own careers.
Host community participants are also gaining new perspectives. ‘Now we know that we have competition. While in Turkana we thought we were the best, the exposure provided us with a new viewpoint,’ said a local entrepreneur who joined Soko International Trade Fair in Nairobi. Eight participants from our project took part in this event, attracting regional and international buyers. As a result, they sold products worth 1,310,450 Kenyan shillings, equivalent to $10,115.
This community-based model demonstrates how refugees and host populations can grow together, sharing skills and resources to build more inclusive local economies. As Kenya shifts towards long-term solutions, projects like THRIVE show how international partnerships can support national goals and transform lives in the process.
