We work to protect the right of women, girls, and LGBTQ communities to access their full potential and live free from violence by supporting survivors, mitigating risks, and transforming beliefs that perpetuate GBV.
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Kenya
HIAS staffer Lucy Juwa (R) speaks with South Sudanese refugees in Nairobi, Kenya. (Brian Otieno for HIAS)
Country Director
Doris Kawira
Office Locations
Nairobi: Eastleigh, Kayole, Kawangware, Mimosa
Founded
2002
Staff Size
128
Kenya is host to close to 560,000 refugees and asylum seekers, primarily from Somalia, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, and other countries in the region. The urban refugee population in Nairobi has increased; around 95,000 refugees and asylum seekers live in Nairobi and other urban areas. Kenya also has nearly 18,500 stateless individuals, many of whom live in Nairobi or the coastal region.
In the early 1990s the Kenyan government established Dadaab and Kakuma refugee camps in northeast and northwest Kenya, enacted restrictions on freedom of movement, and limited the criteria for refugees eligible for assistance in Nairobi. Refugees and asylum seekers face a complex legal environment. Through the Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework refugees should be able to receive healthcare and education like Kenyan citizens; however, in practice, for many refugees there are barriers to access.
8,751
people reached directly through services and activities in 2021
Our Work
HIAS Kenya integrates best practices based on international standards with a focus on community-based protection and empowerment. We work to advocate and promote durable solutions for refugees, including local integration, safe and voluntary repatriation, and third-country resettlement. HIAS Kenya continues to monitor and adapt programs in response to the government of Kenya’s policies.
HIAS’ community-based mental health programs promote the well-being of individuals, families, and communities affected by crisis and conflict so they can heal and rebuild their lives.
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Our economic inclusion programs ensure that refugees have economic opportunities to earn sustainable income and start their lives anew.
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We provide legal services and support, including free legal representation for asylum seekers so that everyone around the world, including displaced people, can have equal access to their legal rights.
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We work to protect the right of women, girls, and LGBTQ communities to access their full potential and live free from violence by supporting survivors, mitigating risks, and transforming beliefs that perpetuate GBV.
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Resources and Publications
Apr 26, 2024
HIAS Kenya Refugee Resettlement Process (English)
Apr 26, 2024
This resource explains the refugee resettlement process and who is eligible at HIAS Kenya in English.
Apr 26, 2024
HIAS Kenya Refugee Resettlement Process (Somali)
Apr 26, 2024
This resource explains the refugee resettlement process and who is eligible at HIAS Kenya in Somali.
Apr 26, 2024
HIAS Kenya Refugee Resettlement Process (Kinyamulenge)
Apr 26, 2024
This resource explains the refugee resettlement process and who is eligible at HIAS Kenya in Kinyamulenge.
Apr 26, 2024
HIAS Kenya Refugee Resettlement FAQ (English)
Apr 26, 2024
This resource provides answers to frequently asked questions (FAQ) about HIAS Kenya's refugee resettlement program in English.
Apr 26, 2024
HIAS Kenya Refugee Resettlement FAQ (Somali)
Apr 26, 2024
This resource provides answers to frequently asked questions (FAQ) about HIAS Kenya's refugee resettlement program in Somali.
Apr 26, 2024
HIAS Kenya Refugee Resettlement FAQ (Kinyamulenge)
Apr 26, 2024
This resource provides answers to frequently asked questions (FAQ) about HIAS Kenya's refugee resettlement program in Kinyamulenge.
Apr 26, 2024
HIAS Kenya Refugee Resettlement Fraud Awareness and Prevention (English)
Apr 26, 2024
This resource (in English) provides information about HIAS Kenya's refugee resettlement program and how to avoid fraud and bad actors.
Apr 26, 2024
HIAS Kenya Refugee Resettlement Fraud Awareness and Prevention (Somali)
Apr 26, 2024
This resource (in Somali) provides information about HIAS Kenya's refugee resettlement program and how to avoid fraud and bad actors.
Apr 26, 2024
HIAS Kenya Refugee Resettlement Fraud Awareness and Prevention (Kinyamulenge)
Apr 26, 2024
This resource (in Kinyamulenge) provides information about HIAS Kenya's refugee resettlement program and how to avoid fraud and bad actors.
Apr 26, 2024
Protection Assessment of LGBTQI+ Displaced Persons in Urban Kenya
Apr 26, 2024
This report presents findings from a mixed-methods protection assessment of LGBTQI+ displaced persons living in three Kenyan cities: Nairobi, Mombasa and Nakuru. This report provides valuable insights into protection gaps and charts programming and advocacy priorities.
Apr 26, 2024
Drought Protection Needs Assessment Report in Lamu County, Kenya
Apr 26, 2024
This report underscores the needs of the refugee and host communities affected by drought in Lamu county. Residents in Lamu face protection issues, emphasizing the need for comprehensive programming priorities addressing legal protection, mental health, economic inclusion, and gender-based violence.
Impact Story
I Never Thought It Will Happen to Me
Baraka fled his home in Rwanda and wound up in Kenya, where many LGBTQ people from East Africa have gone to escape persecution. HIAS Kenya works with many such refugees, providing shelter, mental-health counseling, and other services that often save lives.
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HIAS’ services are free. If someone tries to charge you for services claiming they represent HIAS, please report it at our confidential email address: ethics@hias.org. HIAS has a zero-tolerance policy on fraud and corruption.
For any other inquiries please email us at info@hias.org.
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