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World Vision Kenya Urges Global Action for Refugees Amid Deepening Crisis
On World Refugee Day 2025, World Vision Kenya joins the global community to stand in solidarity with refugees. The organization is calling for urgent action to honour their stories, protect their rights, and address the growing crisis. This year’s theme, “Solidarity with Refugees: Honouring Refugee Stories, Upholding Their Rights”, underscores the need for both compassion and concrete support.
A Worsening Global Displacement Crisis
Globally, forced displacement is at an all-time high. As of early 2025, more than 120 million people have been forced from their homes. Among them, over 36 million are refugees who have crossed international borders. Conflict, climate disasters, and economic collapse continue to drive this surge.
Meanwhile, humanitarian funding is falling short. The World Food Programme (WFP) has reported deep funding gaps, resulting in drastic cuts to food aid. As a result, millions of refugees are now more vulnerable than ever before.
The Situation in Kenya
Kenya remains a key refugee-hosting country in Africa. According to UNHCR data (March 2025), 843,165 refugees and asylum seekers reside in the country. Notably, the Kakuma and Kalobeyei settlements in Turkana County host over 300,000 people, primarily from South Sudan, Somalia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Due to funding shortages, food rations have been cut to 40% of the daily minimum requirement. This has left thousands of families facing hunger and rising malnutrition rates.
World Vision Kenya’s Response
To address these challenges, World Vision Kenya, through the DREAM-UP Project (funded by KOICA and implemented in partnership with World Vision Korea), is implementing targeted interventions. These include:
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Strengthening social cohesion by forming peace committees and facilitating local conflict resolution.
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Improving household resilience through training in climate-smart agriculture, livestock management, and access to markets.
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Promoting economic inclusion, especially for women and youth, via cash transfers and vocational training.
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Aligning with national efforts like Kenya’s Shirika Plan and broader regional refugee frameworks.
World Vision Kenya Urges Global Action for Refugees Amid Deepening Crisis
Measurable Impact on Refugee Lives
So far, the DREAM-UP project has made significant strides:
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Over 44,000 refugees have received livelihood support, including agricultural inputs and psychosocial care. This has helped them reduce reliance on food aid.
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161 farmers have been trained in climate-smart farming and livestock practices. Many now produce food, rear poultry, and earn income from selling surplus.
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Vulnerable households have received cash transfers, enabling them to meet daily needs and invest in small businesses. Financial literacy training has also helped them manage resources better.
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General Food Distribution has reached 160,000 people in Kakuma and Kalobeyei, including 74,000 in Kakuma Camp 3 and 90,000 in Kalobeyei Settlement.
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11,305 people have benefited from peacebuilding and livelihoods programs under the Kakuma Integrated Resilience Project.
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1,500 households in Turkana and Garissa have gained access to clean water and sanitation through UNICEF’s Prospect 2.0 Project.
A Call for Urgent Action
World Vision Kenya believes that refugees deserve safety, dignity, and opportunity. Their stories must shape policies, and their voices must be heard. The organization emphasizes that resilience requires strong partnerships with government, civil society, and host communities.
To strengthen support for refugees, World Vision Kenya urges:
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Greater investment in sustainable livelihoods, education, and inclusion.
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Expanded food and cash assistance to protect basic human needs.
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Enhanced climate adaptation and peacebuilding programs to reduce tension and resource conflict.
“As the world marks World Refugee Day 2025, we are reminded that solidarity must be visible—in policies that protect, investments that empower, and communities that welcome,”
— Gilbert Kamanga, National Director, World Vision Kenya
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