Introduction:
UNHCR had prepared contingency plans for the South Sudan situation prior to the referendum and the eventual birth of the new nation. This plan was revised constantly based on developments in SS including clashes in Jonglei state, sacking of the cabinet /DP few months back and the clashes that erupted on 16th December 2013. The plan caters for two scenarios; 20,000 and 100,000 influxes respectively. We are currently on the first scenario, however at this rate we would very soon move to the worst case scenario. The registered number of refugees before the influx from South Sudan was 128,730. The influx started on 25th December 2013 and since then until the 17th January 2014, a total of 9,150 asylum seekers have been received in the camp increasing the camp population to 137, 880 Majority of the new arrivals are women and children. Children constitute about 70% of which 29% are under 5 years.
Just before the conflict UNHCR had secured land (Kakuma 4) which can accommodate 25,000 refugees. This was meant to decongest the three Kakuma camps. However, given the current influx it is now being used to settle new arrivals.
A joint mission was conducted today by the Deputy Representative and donors and included representation from DFID, ECHO, US Embassy and Japanese Embassy. The mission involved visits to the new site, reception area and briefings by Implementing Partners, WFP and UNICEF.