08Aug By David MuthamaAugust 12, 20240Research and Learning World Bank Urges Kenya to Implement Refugee Act 2021 before Year 2027 On 30th May, 2024, the republic of Kenya received a total of KShs. 156 billion (US$ 1.2 Billion) loan to assist in running various programs in Kenya. One of the pre-conditions for the release of these funds was that the Kenyan Government needs to look at its policies on refugees and asylum seekers within its borders. However, despite the enactment of the Refugee Act 2021, refugees continue to face a myriad of problems which include but not limited to the following;Issuance of Refugee Recognition Letters;The Issuance of Refugee Identity Cards;Correction of errors in issued Identification documents; andFamily Unification. These problems usually take quite some time to resolve yet the law provides for an elaborate Department of Refugee Services working hand in hand with UNHCR.Currently, there are over 15,000 cases pending on Issuance of ID cards only. What’s The Importance Of The Refugee ID Cards? The Refugee Identity Cards are a precursor to refugees accessing the relevant government services to positively enhance their lives and livelihoods in Kenya.However, it is observed that those who have the Refugee Identity Cards continue to face challenges getting services in the private sector, for example despite holding the said cards, major mobile phone providers fail or refuse to issue them with sim cards. Registered Refugees 0 There’re at least over 400,000 refugees within the Republic of Kenya and it is the view of the World Bank that if we integrate them into the system, then they will contribute towards the growth of the economy while easing the pressure on repaying the loans. With the potential of refugees stimulating the economy, The World Bank has urged Kenya to implement the Refugee Act holistically by the year 2027. This move by The World Bank is highly welcome and we urge all the agencies involved in matters refugees to continue this push to have the Refugee Act 2021 to be fully implemented way before 2027. Author David Muthama View all posts