Nairobi City County Government inspectorate staff participate in a Re:BUiLD induction held in Nairobi on June 13th 2023. (PHOTO: NCCG)

The Nairobi City County Government (NCCG) law enforcement officers are gearing up to a renewed approach to managing urban refugees in their day-today interactions under the city’s inspectorate. There are close to 100,000 refugees living in Nairobi, Kenya. 

Over the years, urban refugees have encountered challenges when striving for self-reliance within the city. The partnership between the Re:BUiLD Program and the NCCG is stemming out the notable exclusion of refugee voices in policy development and access to public services. Re:BUiLD Program Protection Officer Dorcas Mwangi says vulnerable refugees in Nairobi face multiple challenges and require targeted support to ensure their safety and well-being. One of the key risks they face is limited access to essential services. “

Our collaboration with the NCCG is pivotal in creating actionable plans to support vulnerable refugees in Nairobi. By working together, we can foster a more inclusive and supportive environment that empowers refugees to rebuild their lives with dignity and resilience. This collaboration focuses on addressing key aspects such as enhancing access to services, promoting refugee inclusion in governance systems, and enhancing understanding of refugee rights and documentation” stated Mwangi.

Jamin Kusuania, the IRC’s Senior Advocacy Manager sharing refugee documentation and inclusion during the induction of NCCG Inspectorate staff in Nairobi on June 13th 2023. (PHOTO: NCCG)

In a 2-day induction held on June 13th and 14th 2023, Re:BUiLD engaged 56 NCCG inspectorate officers in a bid to create awareness on the rights of urban refugees. The county inspectorate plays a critical role in enforcing county policies and bylaws. The inspectorate department had been a point of concern, with refugees reporting that officers often fail to comprehend their documentation during encounters. 

The Re:BUiLD induction saw the officers enlightened on International and National Refugee Frameworks, refugee documentation, challenges faced by urban refugees’, opportunities in accessing city services, and potential areas of collaboration between the city government and the Re:BUiLD Program.

NCCG Inspectorate Director Eva Wairiuko told Re:BUiLD in Action the inducted officers are now wellversed with all components of the Re:BUiLD Program and have a better understanding of refugee rights and documentation. Wairiuko says a vast majority of the officers under her docket still require capacity building on refugee documentation and rights. 

“We are now in a better position to interact with refugees. By familiarizing ourselves with these crucial aspects, we can better incorporate refugees in our activities and improve our interactions. We are looking forward to more of these sessions given the ongoing conversations on the integration of refugees in our urban areas,” stated Wairiuko. Re:BUiLD, in partnership with Pamoja Trust will continue to work with the NCCG inspectorate and boost sensitization efforts and educate refugees on city bylaws. Through these initiatives, refugees will gain a better understanding of their rights and obligations within the city.