In a move set to redefine refugee policy in Africa, Kenya has launched an ambitious plan to transform Kakuma Refugee Camp into a fully functional city. The initiative, hailed as a potential model for long-term refugee integration, seeks to shift from emergency aid dependency to sustainable urban development.
Home to nearly 300,000 refugees and asylum seekers, mainly from South Sudan, Somalia, and the DRC, Kakuma has grown beyond its original purpose as a temporary shelter. The Kenyan government, in collaboration with the UNHCR and global development partners, is now working to provide permanent infrastructure, legal economic opportunities, housing, and education systems.
The strategy includes re-zoning parts of Kakuma and neighboring Kalobeyei into mixed-use urban districts, complete with roads, schools, hospitals, and marketplaces. The goal: to turn Kakuma into a self-sustaining city where both refugees and host communities can thrive side-by-side. Legal frameworks are being reviewed to allow refugees access to work permits, land ownership rights, and business registration. 
While the project has sparked optimism, it faces hurdles — including land disputes, political sensitivities, and resource limitations. Humanitarian agencies have applauded the bold vision but warn that success hinges on inclusive governance, steady investment, and community buy-in.
Kenya’s plan for Kakuma could mark a transformative shift in how the continent approaches protracted displacement. By treating refugees not just as victims but as contributors to development, the country is taking a bold step toward a future where displacement is not the end, but a new beginning.
