Kenya hosts over 820,000 refugees as regional conflicts escalate

The number of people seeking refuge in Kenya has surged past 820,000, marking a sharp rise driven by conflict and instability across the region.

This sharp increase, captured in the 2025 Economic Survey, highlights the growing pressure on Kenya's refugee support systems and its position as a destination for those fleeing violence.

The report shows that the number of registered refugees and asylum seekers grew by 19.1% in 2024, reaching 823,932, up from 691,868 the previous year.

The increase is linked to continued civil unrest in neighbouring countries and reflects the growing challenges facing those seeking protection.

Most of the people seeking refuge in Kenya are from Somalia and South Sudan, accounting for 56.9% and 23.4%, respectively.

Other countries contributing to the rising numbers include the Democratic Republic of Congo with over 63,000 refugees, Ethiopia with about 42,000, and Burundi with 32,380.

According to the State Department for Refugee Services, "The number of registered refugees and asylum seekers increased by 19.1 percent to 823,932 in 2024. The number of children and adults registered as refugees and asylum seekers increased by 22.4% and 15.5%, respectively, during the year."

A small portion of the refugee population, about three percent, includes persons of concern from Sudan, Uganda, Eritrea, Rwanda, and other nationalities, further underscoring Kenya’s role as a key destination in the region for displaced populations.

Kenya has long been considered a relatively safe haven for those fleeing conflict, even as it continues to face its own challenges.

Despite recent incidents of insecurity within the country, the growing number of refugees suggests that many still see Kenya as a more stable option compared to their war-torn homelands.

The report also points to an increase in refugee registrations among both men and children.

Men account for 51.1% of the total population, while children make up 53.3%, reflecting the vulnerable nature of those fleeing their homes.

More than half of all refugees and asylum seekers in Kenya—around 50.5%—live in Dadaab Camp in Garissa County.

Another 36.2% reside in Kakuma Camp in Turkana County, with the remaining 13.3% spread across urban areas such as Nairobi, Mombasa, Eldoret, and Nakuru.

The growing population has also led to a rise in irregularities, particularly cases of double registration in camps.

Some individuals are reportedly registering more than once in Dadaab and Kakuma to gain short-term refugee status and access basic services.

In recent years, the number of people fleeing into Kenya has risen steadily.

Over the last four years alone, the refugee and asylum seeker population has grown by 63.2%, driven by prolonged conflicts, food insecurity, and displacement in neighbouring countries.

Many of these individuals are completely reliant on external aid.

According to the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), around 843,000 refugees and asylum seekers are currently in Kenya, most of whom depend entirely on humanitarian support to survive.

The European Union remains one of the key partners in supporting Kenya’s refugee operations.

It has committed €14.5 million (Sh2.1 billion) in humanitarian funding for 2025, aimed at ensuring essential services such as food and health care reach those in need.