The Refugee Consortium of Kenya (RCK) convened a two-day Multistakeholder Fireside Discussion in Turkana County under the Inclusive Refugee Response Programme (IRRP), bringing together representatives from the Department of Refugee Services (DRS), UNHCR, County Assembly of Turkana, Turkana County Executive, Office of the County Attorney, Kakuma Municipality, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education, our Alliance partners (AMREF, DRC, and Swiss Contact), Refugee-Led Organisations, Organisations for Persons with Disabilities, Kakuma Youth Parliament, The Lutheran World Federation (LWF), Humanity and Inclusion (HI), Israaid, Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), Water Mission, The Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS), Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS), and Film Aid Kenya.
The engagement aimed to strengthen inclusive access to water, health, and education services within the framework of the Refugees Act and the Shirika Plan, which guide Kenya’s transition toward integrated, government-led service delivery systems.
Over the two days, participants examined the evolving policy and operational environment, including reduced donor funding, the upcoming county budget cycle, and ongoing legislative reforms within Turkana County. The discussions focused on advancing county-national coordination, strengthening shared infrastructure to promote social cohesion, and addressing systemic barriers that limit equitable access to essential services.
Through technical presentations, moderated discussions, and plenary dialogues, stakeholders explored practical solutions across three core sectors: improving community ownership and sustainability of water systems; strengthening refugee inclusion within county health structures and universal health coverage frameworks; and enhancing access to quality education through legal compliance, learner support, and inclusive infrastructure.
The forum also emphasized collaborative pathways between county departments, national institutions, humanitarian partners, and communities, underscoring the importance of accountability, coordinated planning, and evidence-based decision-making.
The Discussion represents a critical step in translating policy commitments into actionable, sector-specific priorities that promote dignity, stability, and long-term resilience for both refugees and host communities in Turkana County.
Use the following link to watch:
https://www.youtube.com/live/JxI_UOii07s?si=luyoWtq2v_jQMth9
https://www.youtube.com/live/qINVxovKmyU?si=w9qB4Uo8KizAl3b4
