Wendy S Huffman
Kenya: Kakuma Redesignated
From Refugee Camp to City: Kakuma's Transformation and the Future of Displacement Solutions
Kakuma, once a remote refugee camp in Kenya’s northwest, is entering a historic new phase. Established in 1992 during the civil wars in South Sudan and the Horn of Africa and built for 70,000, the camp now houses over 300,000 people. In April 2025, the Kenyan government officially redesignated Kakuma as a municipality, symbolizing a paradigm shift in how the world addresses displacement.
This transformation moves away from traditional models of warehousing refugees in isolated, aid-dependent zones. Instead, it promotes integration, autonomy, and opportunity. While Kakuma remains under the oversight of the UNHCR for now, the goal is for local Kenyan authorities to eventually manage municipal functions—education, infrastructure, and commerce.
The change also reflects a broader recognition of refugee populations as contributors, not burdens. Refugees in Kakuma operate thousands of micro-businesses despite limited mobility and barriers to citizenship. Organizations like Inkomoko and the Shirika Plan are investing in these communities, proving that refugee economies can thrive with the right support.
There are a lot of potential opportunities for this huge, untapped workforce and economy.
Globally, the redesignation of Kakuma could set a precedent for other long-term refugee settlements. With climate change, conflict, and instability continuing to displace millions, cities like Kakuma might become the blueprint for future resilience, equity, and inclusion.
Sources: Associated Press, UNHCR, Inkomoko, ODI Global
Tags: refugee city model, Kakuma redesignation, global displacement policy, refugee integration, humanitarian solutions
Wendy Huffman is the Publisher of the WBN News Nashville and Africa Editions & Owner of The Brilliant Edge Agency, delivering premier executive search and staffing solutions to help businesses secure top talent using the DREAM™ process. She is also the founder and CEO of the international nonprofit Letsmakethedifference.org based in Nashville.
Connect with Wendy on Linkedin.com/in/wendyhuffman
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