Since 2021, Re:BUiLD has engaged with national and local government institutions, private sector actors, refugee-led organisations, and other partners to influence policies, strengthen systems, and promote the inclusion of refugees in urban development and service delivery. Through evidence, partnerships, policy dialogue, and community engagement, the programme has supported efforts to strengthen access to documentation, decent work, financial services, and other opportunities for refugees and vulnerable host communities.

National-Level Engagements in Kenya

Strengthening Refugee Inclusion in County Services and Markets

In July 2026, Re:BUiLD and Nairobi City County Government continued engagement with market committees and traders in Jericho, Kenyatta, Ngara and Githurai markets to promote refugee inclusion and support adoption of the amended market constitution. The programme also supported sensitisation of Nairobi County health staff on refugee issues and facilitated engagement with departmental champions to review NCRIS implementation and strengthen coordination across county departments.

Advancing Refugee Access to Decent Work and Documentation 

In July 2026, Re:BUiLD led a policymakers’ meeting with the Refugee Consortium of Kenya on refugees’ access to decent work and documentation, with a focus on prioritising the 3rd Generation Refugee ID. The programme also participated in the Working Permit Technical Meeting, Legal Technical Working Group and CBO/RLO Technical Working Group meetings. Re BUiLD July  2026 Update - 04…

Strengthening National Legal and Policy Coordination 

In June 2026, Re:BUiLD participated in the National Legal Technical Working Group Strategy Development Workshop and consultations on Pillar 1 of the Shirika Plan. The engagement identified legal, policy, operational and coordination gaps in refugee protection and management and outlined priority areas for technical support, including research and knowledge products, capacity strengthening and coordinated legal programming. Re:BUiLD also contributed to the development of a draft strategic roadmap and workplan for the Working Group.

Supporting Implementation of the Nairobi County Refugee Integration Strategy

In June 2026, Re:BUiLD, together with Kituo Cha Sheria, supported the Nairobi City County Government to review implementation progress of the Nairobi County Refugee Integration and Community Building Strategy (NCRIS), engage stakeholders on emerging priorities and discuss the way forward for effective and coordinated implementation. 

Strengthening Refugee Documentation and County Systems

In June 2026, Re:BUiLD supported the Department of Refugee Services (DRS) through an Information Pack Workshop, which resulted in an Information Pack on documentation and a simplified version of the Shirika Plan for dissemination through the DRS website and in printed form. The programme also supported the Nairobi City County Government to review the Market Committees Constitution, resulting in provisions promoting refugee inclusion in market governance and equitable access to market spaces.

Strengthening Refugee Inclusion in Market Governance

In May 2026, Re:BUiLD facilitated a constitution review workshop for 45 participants from the Nairobi County Markets Association, aimed at enabling the inclusion of refugees as co-opted members of the association’s committee and strengthening refugee participation in market governance and access to services.

Advancing Implementation of the Nairobi County Refugee Integration Strategy 

In May 2026, Re:BUiLD conducted a sensitisation workshop for 53 Refugee-Led Organization leaders on the Nairobi County Refugee Integration Strategy, available county government services and opportunities for collaboration between refugee-led organisations and the county. The programme also sensitised 32 Nairobi County officers from the Inclusion and Health departments on operationalising the Strategy within their respective departments.

Strengthening Refugee Inclusion in Nairobi County 

In March and April 2026, Re:BUiLD collaborated with Nairobi City County Government on policy processes affecting refugee inclusion, including providing legal views on the Nairobi County Youth Empowerment Bill and Youth Policy. The programme also convened a Joint Implementation Team meeting with the county government to review the budget, workplan, spending and procurement plan and support coordination of activities.

Advancing Refugee Access to Work Permits

In March and April 2026, Re:BUiLD co-led 37 agencies in developing a white paper on refugee work permits and convened a meeting bringing together government officials, donors, refugees and NGOs to discuss the findings and recommendations. The programme also developed a summary report outlining the critical steps, roles and enabling conditions required to launch a pilot programme for 500 work permits. During the same period, Re:BUiLD participated in National Legal Technical Working Group sessions and engaged stakeholders on refugee documentation and legal identity.

Refugee – Host Community Trade Fair 

From 13th to 14th August 2025, Re:BUiLD, in collaboration with the Nairobi City County Government Department of Youth Affairs, convened vibrant refugee–host community trade fairs in Embakasi East and Kibra. These events brought together entrepreneurs from both refugee and host communities to showcase and sell their products and services, celebrate local creativity, and promote inclusive economic participation. Over 40 businesses participated in Embakasi, with a dynamic mix of exhibitors, shoppers, community leaders, and cultural performers helping to draw crowds and foster a lively atmosphere of collaboration and exchange.

The markets provided valuable platforms for small businesses—particularly women- and youth-led enterprises, to increase visibility and access customers, networks, and support organisations. The fairs were efficiently organised with strong logistical and security support, ensuring seamless registration, vibrant engagement, and a positive experience for attendees. Community members offered feedback on future editions, including suggestions for extended days and increased signage to boost exposure and participation. These trade fairs exemplify Re:BUiLD’s commitment to strengthening urban resilience and creating inclusive economic opportunities by connecting entrepreneurs across diverse communities.

Refugee Documentation SOP Finalization 

Re:BUiLD supported the Department of Refugee Services (DRS), in the finalization of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) on refugee registration, protection, and documentation and brainstorming on information pack on the refugee documentation access process.

City Refugee Sensitization Manual 

Re:BUiLD finalized and shared a Refugee Sensitization Manual with the Nairobi County Government. The manual will be used to guide engagements with county departments to support capacity-building efforts and inform county actors about the rights, needs, and roles of refugees within urban development planning.

Launch of the Nairobi County Refugee Integration Strategy 

On April 30, 2025, Re:BUiLD participated in the launch of the County Refugee Integration and Community Building Strategy (NCRIS), which aims to harmonize county policies with national commitments, promote economic inclusion, enhance community engagement, and establish governance measures for refugee issues. This strategy aims to integrate refugees into Nairobi's social and economic fabric, fostering a sense of belonging and improving their lives.

Key aspects of the NCRIS:

• Access to Essential Services: The strategy ensures refugees have access to public healthcare, city-run schools, and the ability to obtain business licenses.
• Documentation and Identity: Refugee registration documents are recognized as official proof of identity, simplifying access to various services.
• Economic Empowerment: The strategy focuses on creating pathways to employment and economic opportunities for refugees, enabling them to contribute to the local economy.
• Social Integration: The NCRIS promotes social cohesion and cultural exchange through community events, dialogue forums, and cultural programs, fostering understanding and acceptance between refugees and host communities.
• Collaboration and Support: The strategy emphasizes collaboration between government agencies, civil society organizations, and international bodies like the IRC to ensure effective implementation and support for refugees.

Shirika Plan Launch 

On March 28, 2025, Re:BUiLD participated in the deliberation and validation of the Shirika plan and was represented in the launch of the Shirika plan by the IRC Country Director and Senior Advocacy Manager. The launch marked a pivotal moment in Kenya’s ongoing commitment to embedding refugees into national development agendas. The Shirika Plan charts a 12-year, phased journey to transform refugee response from a humanitarian model to a development-led, rights-based approach:

• Transition Phase (2024–2027): Lays the legal and policy foundation for integrating refugees into national systems, initiating economic plans in Garissa and Turkana, and reimagining camps as municipalities.

• Stabilization Phase (2028–2031): Expands infrastructure and services—especially in education, healthcare, and employment—to strengthen refugee and host community resilience.

• Resilience Phase (2032–2035): Anchors sustainable development by embedding refugee inclusion into long-term planning and governance structures.

At its heart, the Shirika Plan envisions a thriving, inclusive ecosystem where refugees and host communities jointly contribute to Kenya’s socio-economic growth. By fostering equitable access to services, livelihoods, and civic participation, the Plan repositions refugees not as aid recipients but as active agents of transformation. 

As Re:BUiLD, we are excited to support the rollout of this transformative agenda, particularly its impact on urban refugee inclusion, and hope for inclusive development and rollout of an implementation plan.   

Re:BUiLD Joins National Dialogue on Meaningful Refugee Participation in Kenya’s Refugee Response 

On March 25, 2025, Re:BUiLD participated in a high-level forum hosted by Refugees Seeking Equal Access at the Table (R-SEAT), focusing on "Utilizing Refugee Participation in the Shirika Plan Development and Kenya's Refugee Response". The interactive workshop, held at Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi, was co-convened by R-SEAT, Oxfam, ReDSS, and LERRN and brought together over 50 cross-sectoral actors including government representatives, UN agencies, NGOs, Refugee-Led Organizations (RLOs), and development partners.

NSSF Haba Haba Launch 

On October 30, 2024, National Social Security Fund (NSSF) in collaboration with DRS and other partners including Re:BUiLD successfully launched the Haba Haba Social Protection Program. The initiative provides a voluntary savings plan specifically designed for informal sector workers, including refugees, who often lack access to formal social safety nets. This product is tailored for refugees such as the use of a refugee ID and Emigration benefit which entails receiving total benefit upon permanently relocating from Kenya. To raise awareness and facilitate enrollment in the program, the IRC inititated a sensitization campaign in the Kangemi, Kabiria, and Kawangware areas.

Nairobi City Partners with Re:BUiLD to Enhance Youth Digital Skills   

In a collaborative effort to empower the youth, the Re:BUiLD program has provided essential resources to the Nairobi County Youth Department. These contributions, which include computers, desks, and tents, are aimed at equipping both refugees and local youth with basic computer proficiency skills. The initiative will be hosted at the County Youth One-Stop Centre, creating a dedicated space for youth development and engagement. 

The primary aim of this initiative ensure sustainability in access to training among the youth by enhancing access to the skills . By providing the tools and environment necessary for community digital training, the program not only enhances employability but also fosters greater social cohesion between refugee and host communities. 

The collaboration between Re:BUiLD and NCCG evolved significantly over the five years. Initially, NCCG received in-kind grants in the form of ICT equipment to equip its County Youth One-Stop Centre, where urban youths learn videography and photography skills. The Re:BUiLD program has also supported the County Government to facilitate the registration process for savings groups. Re:BUiLD will build on the impactful partnership which enabled the Nairobi City County Government (NCCG) to develop and launch the 2025 NCRIS, strengthen the one-stop youth centre, and embark on direct service delivery to refugees. With the Government of Kenya’s new Shirika Plan (which outlines pathways for the integration of refugee and host communities) and the NCRIS, NCCG will be supported to clarify its contribution to national goals and to serve as a leader and reference point for other counties hosting refugees in urban areas.

Commemoration of International Days  

Re:BUiLD actively participates in the commemoration of several key international days, including World Refugee Day, International Women’s Day, contributing to the Panel Discussion on Access to Labour Justice and Decent work for refugees. 

In commemoration of World Refugee Day, Re:BUiLD Kenya actively participated in discussions focused on refugee integration frameworks during a session co-convened with the Refugee Consortium of Kenya (RCK) and HIAS. This session, aimed at the Kenya Model United Nations, explored key strategies for improving refugee inclusion within the country's frameworks.

As part of our engagement, we showcased our clients' work and disseminated findings from our Access to Decent Work Policy Brief, shedding light on the challenges and solutions regarding refugee-related laws and policies, fostering dialogue for more inclusive labor practices, International Youth Day,  the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence and International Youth Day – Refugee Marathon. Each of these observances offers a platform to highlight the contributions of urban refugees and advocate for their rights within the broader national context. By engaging in these events, Re:BUiLD raises public awareness and influences national discourse on issues such as labor rights, gender equality, and youth empowerment. These commemorations reinforce the role of civil society in shaping public policy and promoting social cohesion, ensuring that refugee voices are amplified and respected across all sectors of society.