Celebrating World Refugee Day in Kakuma-Kalobeyei: Hope away from Home

The World Refugee Day 2023 (WRD), under the theme of 'Hope away from Home' was celebrated in Kalobeyei Integrated Settlement in Kakuma, Turkana County. Although the occasion was slated to take place on 20th June, in Kakuma, it was held on 19th, to pave way for national celebrations which took place in Nairobi. 

Refugees from the Nuer Community waiting to perform at the WRD in Kalobeyei.

In Kalobeyei, the day was marked in Village 2, and was graced by the Turkana County Governor, Hon Jeremia Lomurkai, the UN Refugee Agency Commissioner, Filippo Grandi, the Executive Director of the UN Habitat, Maimunah Sharif, Kenya's Principal Secretary for Immigration and Citizens Services, Hon Julius Bitok, the Commissioner General of the Department of Refugee Services, Hon John Burugu, the area Member of Parliament, Hon Epuyo amongst others. 


During the event, the key message which was emphasized by most of the speakers was the promotion of self reliance for refugees and host communities in Kakuma refugee camps and Kalobeyei Integrated Settlement. The speakers also spoke about the government of Kenya's intention to transform the refugee camps into refugee villages under the new Marshall plan for refugees dubbed Shirika Plan. 

South Sudanese refugee from Dinka community waiting to perform at the World Refugee Day event.


Turkana Host community dressed in cultural attire during the WRD event.





Refugee children from Burundi preparing to perform at the WRD. They belong to the 'Talking Drums' group.





















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