DRC: Localisation of Protection Programming in Garissa & Turkana, Kenya

October 2024

Within the context of commitments to durable solutions, since the World Humanitarian Summit 2016 and the Grand Bargain, there have been increased calls for those who are closest to crises to have more control of resources, increased agency and greater decision-making powers. The process of “localisation” aims to create more equitable, power sharing and decision-making systems that support those in need of protection.

The protection of refugees in Kenya is a critical issue, Kenya is host to two of the largest refugee camps in the world – in Garissa and Turkana counties, known as Kenya’s marginalised counties in the arid and semiarid land regions. Localisation holds the potential to foster sustainability by enabling an environment where vulnerable communities, like those affected by displacement, are able to handle challenges, thereby promoting local ownership and strengthening self-protection capacities.

The study focuses on the localisation of protection programming in Garissa and Turkana counties – and seeks a deeper understanding of the opportunities available and entry points for engagement with local actors supporting refugees and host communities. The research seeks to map out localisation efforts in Dadaab and Kakuma refugee camps, identifying entry points to new collaborations and engagement for more localised protection outcomes and draw out key information and recommendations from the challenges and lessons from international and local actors.

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