GENEVA — Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Interior, Kipchumba Murkomen, has called for closer cooperation with the United Nations to tackle the country’s growing refugee burden and bolster its disaster preparedness.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction in Geneva, Murkomen held a series of high-level talks with senior UN officials, including Raouf Mazou, Assistant High Commissioner for Operations at UNHCR, and Kamal Kishore, the UN’s top envoy on disaster risk reduction.
At the heart of the discussions was Kenya’s continued role as a key host of displaced populations with over 800,000 refugees and asylum seekers living in sprawling camps and urban centres across the country.
“Kenya has remained steadfast in its responsibility to protect refugees,” Murkomen said after the meeting. “Our partnership with UNHCR has stood the test of time more than five decades and we intend to keep strengthening it.”
Mazou, he added, had acknowledged Kenya’s leadership in the region on refugee affairs.
Focus on the Shirika Plan
Much of the conversation centred on the recently launched Shirika Plan, a new multi-agency initiative designed to help refugees rebuild their lives through economic integration and social inclusion.
The plan encourages self-reliance among displaced communities while offering support to local populations who often shoulder the impact of mass displacement. It also reflects a shift from traditional aid models toward more sustainable, community-based responses.
“The Shirika Plan is not just about aid — it’s about dignity,” Murkomen said. “It’s about creating opportunities for both the refugees and the host communities.”
The Kenyan government is pushing for broader international support to implement the initiative. While no new funding pledges were announced, UNHCR officials were said to be open to expanding the programme with more partners.
Urging Peace in Conflict Zones
Murkomen also used the platform to urge the UN to do more to address the root causes of forced displacement. He called on UNHCR to amplify its advocacy for peace and stability in conflict-hit regions, particularly in neighbouring countries.
“Until violence stops at the source, the refugee crisis will remain with us,” he warned.
Disaster Risk in a Changing Climate
In a separate meeting, Murkomen met with Kamal Kishore, the UN’s Special Representative for Disaster Risk Reduction. Their talks covered a wide range of issues from early warning systems and post-disaster recovery to training and technology sharing.
The Cabinet Secretary pointed to Kenya’s recent rollout of the “Early Warnings for All” initiative as a milestone in preparing communities for climate-driven emergencies. The programme is part of a broader push to anticipate and mitigate the worst impacts of droughts, floods, and other disasters.
Kishore reportedly welcomed Kenya’s leadership and commended Nairobi for its efforts to build resilient urban areas, especially as host to the UN-Habitat.
Strengthening Kenya’s UN Presence
Murkomen also paid a courtesy call to Kenya’s Permanent Representative in Geneva, Ambassador Fancy Too. He praised Kenya’s growing voice in multilateral forums, saying its permanent presence in Geneva since 1995 has helped shape global policy.
“Our mission here is not symbolic,” he said. “It reflects our deep commitment to international cooperation in humanitarian work, peace, and disaster resilience.”
As the conference continues, Kenya appears determined to ensure its role as both a responsible host nation and a proactive global partner remains firmly on the agenda.
