The International Rescue Committee (IRC) has renewed its call for simplified access to refugee identity cards, stressing that the document is vital for refugees’ integration into Kenyan society. The appeal comes as the government moves forward with the Shirika Plan, a bold initiative launched by President William Ruto to transform refugee camps into integrated settlements.
Speaking during a refugee leaders’ consultative meeting in Nairobi, Irene Shiundu, IRC’s Regional Policy and Advocacy Advisor, highlighted the critical role of refugee IDs in accessing essential services such as healthcare, education, legal aid, and employment opportunities.
“Currently, the process of obtaining a refugee ID is extremely difficult. There are so many bottlenecks that many refugees have given up along the way,” Shiundu said. She noted that only a few have successfully acquired the document, and most did so with the help of human rights organisations.
With a refugee ID, beneficiaries can apply for a KRA PIN number, enroll in the Social Health Authority for medical cover, acquire travel documents, and access legal services. Shiundu urged the government to create a clear, step-by-step process for refugees to follow so they can get IDs without unnecessary hurdles.
“At the moment, some refugees are accessing these services using the refugee IDs. But even those who have the document went through a very strenuous process, making many others give up,” she added.
The IRC, founded in 1933 by Albert Einstein, operates in over 40 countries worldwide to support people affected by humanitarian crises. Its advocacy for easier access to documentation aligns with its global mission of helping vulnerable populations survive, recover, and rebuild their lives with dignity.
During the meeting, Fatima Ali, a refugee from Daadab, shared how the lack of documentation has affected young people in her community.
“Many youths have missed out on employment and scholarship opportunities because they lack the ID. Without it, they cannot apply for scholarships or even interact freely with the host communities,” Ali said. She also mentioned that some refugees have been unable to access UNHCR services due to the absence of identification.
The Shirika Plan, launched in March 2025, seeks to integrate refugees into local communities instead of keeping them confined in camps. The plan mirrors some elements of Poland’s approach to hosting refugees.
President Ruto, during the launch, described the initiative as “a homegrown solution that amplifies the African Union’s call for African solutions to African problems.” The plan focuses on transforming refugee camps into integrated settlements that promote opportunities for both refugees and host communities.
“As I speak to you, more than 70,000 refugees are enrolled for universal health coverage under the Social Health Insurance Fund, and IDs for refugees are now recognised by the Integrated Population Registration System,” Ruto said. He emphasized that the program is part of a broader effort to include refugees in county development plans, integrating them into education, healthcare, and financial systems.
The president also urged international partners to increase their support to make the plan a success. In agreement, UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi described the plan as progressive and a significant step in reducing the hardship faced by refugees whose lives are often disrupted while living in camps.
The IRC’s renewed push for simplified refugee documentation comes at a time when Kenya is making bold moves to redefine refugee management through the Shirika Plan. However, despite policy advancements, refugees continue to face practical challenges in acquiring identity documents, limiting their access to opportunities and essential services.
Humanitarian organisations argue that for the Shirika Plan to succeed, the government must eliminate barriers in the refugee ID process and ensure fast, transparent, and accessible documentation systems. This will allow refugees to fully benefit from education, healthcare, and economic inclusion, while also boosting social cohesion between refugees and host communities.
