03Mar By Advocate Joan LangatMarch 23, 20260Research and Learning Refugee and Asylum-seeker Working Integration - Eastern Africa (RAWI-EA) Participants reperensting the RAWI-EA Working Group What is RAWI-EA?The RAWI–EA Coalition (Refugee and Asylum-seeker Working Integration – East Africa) is a coalition convened by Kituo Cha Sheria in collaboration with the International Rescue Committee (IRC) to advance refugee protection, rights, and governance in Kenya Advancing Refugee Access to Work Inclusion through Collaboration RLN recently participated in the RAWI-EA (Refugee Access to Work Inclusion- East Africa partners) coalition, represented by our legal counsel – Advocate Langat, in a meeting organized by the International Rescue Committee (IRC) and Kituo Cha Sheria. Through this engagement, RLN was able to reaffirm its role within the coalition particularly advancing litigation and legal defense efforts that protect and promote refugee rights. Our participation highlighted the importance of legal pathways in ensuring access to justice and safeguarding dignity for displaced communities.A central theme that emerged from the discussions was the critical role of documentation. Beyond administrative necessity, documentation serves as a gateway to opportunity enabling refugees to access services, livelihoods, and ultimately, self-reliance. Strengthening access to documentation remains essential in fostering inclusion and empowerment. Beyond administrative necessity, documentation serves as a gateway to opportunity enabling refugees to access services, livelihoods, and ultimately, self-reliance. The meeting also provided an opportunity to reflect on how RAWI-EA can grow its impact moving into 2026. Key proposals included increasing public awareness through media engagement, building stronger partnerships with donors and government institutions, and expanding the network of supporters and allies. Participants also emphasized the importance of engaging refugee entrepreneurs and influencers, integrating labor rights actors, and investing in targeted advocacy campaigns.RLN’s participation in such spaces aligns with its broader commitment to advancing refugee rights and inclusion. Notably, RLN is currently participating as an interested party in Petition No. 554 of 2025, which seeks to advance the right to work for refugees and improve legal frameworks to support their socio-economic integration within host communities in Kenya.As RLN continues to engage in advocacy, partnerships, and legal processes, we remain committed to contributing to a more inclusive and enabling environment where refugees can thrive with dignity. Author Advocate Joan Langat View all posts