Current Situation
The influx into Kakuma from South Sudan has continued unabated. As of 13 January 2014, 7,212 have been transported from Nadapal entry point to Kakuma using the UNHCR fleet. This figure includes the 434 transported today. Operations on the ground have continued in three fronts; screening and transport from the border, accommodation and assistance at the three reception centers and relocation to the temporary accommodations in the new site.
UNHCR and the Department of Refugee Affairs (DRA) conducted a joint visit to the border on Friday, 10 January 2014. The mission was led by the UNHCR representative and DRA Commissioner for Refugee Affairs with participants from the GoK, WFP and other partners. The objective of the mission was to:
Discuss with border officials entry into the country by asylum seekers in accordance with international standards
Assess the existing facilities and support that the team requires on the ground.
Following a quick assessment, it was agreed that a reception centre would be established at Nadapal Kenya/South Sudan border. It will have facilities including security screening, immigration, DRA, medical services and water, with a view to better serve asylum seekers at the border. Efforts to improve sanitation and water supply facilities have continued while MSF Belgium continues to offer medical services and vaccination at the border. WFP also introduced distribution of high energy biscuits to the new arrivals.
DRA /Immigration shall be the first port of call for asylum seekers to ensure proper separation of genuine asylum seekers from normal travelers who may require visa formalities to enter Kenya. The government would also ensure that combatants are screened at the border. DRA would assign more staff at Nadapal border.
In Kakuma we are still operating through the reception centers.
3,269 new arrivals have so far been relocated to the plots demarcated at the new site. 13 January 2014
Sufficient water and sanitation are being provided at the new site.
Challenges:
Child protection: Before the current crisis, Kakuma had 2,700 Unaccompanied Minors and 9,000 separated children. Given that the overwhelming majority of the new arrivals are children, ensuring protection and wellbeing of children is a major challenge. UNHCR and UNICEF Child Protection Officers will start the rapid assessment on the needs of UAM and separated children to come up with recommendations and appropriate interventions in the short, medium and long terms. The report is expected by the end of this week.
With the increased rate of influx, DRA has identified registration as another challenge. 25% of new arrivals have been registered so far. The DRA Commissioner has committed his department to deploy additional registration officers to boost their capacity.
In Health the partner has been over-stretched even before the emergency with shortage of medical staff, drugs and run down health center. UNHCR health coordinator is on mission to Kakuma to discuss gaps and additional support that partner requires urgently. A temporary health post will be established at the new site and this will take two (2) weeks to put up.
Education is another area where we have huge gaps with only 50% enrollment before the current influx. In fact UNHCR had earlier agreed with LWF to introduce a double shift system to partially address the space problem. Discussions have been initiated with UNICEF on establishment of temporary schools to cater for the new arrivals.
The NFIs in stock as at today (13th January 2014) are as follows: 13,794 jerry cans, 2,440 kitchen sets, 550 tents, 12,784 plastic sheets, 14,500 blankets, 36,650 plastic mats. These can cater for 10,000 – 15,000 individuals. We are also expecting an additional 3,000 tents.
New site
- The need to establish a new refugee camp at Nakururum has been discussed and the site identified by DRA. DRA will take the lead in negotiating with the host community, MCAs, Area Chief, County Governor, MP etc. UNHCR will check on availability of water at this site.