Kenya: IDPs’ significant needs remain as intercommunal violence increases

Conflict and violence are on the rise in Kenya. In 2012 more than 118,000 people are estimated to have been newly displaced as a result of inter-communal and resource-based violence, linked to a combination of ethnic, political and economic factors. Tens of thousands more have been displaced as a result of natural disasters and development projects. 

Although a large number of Kenyans displaced during the post-election violence of 2007 and 2008 are still struggling to find durable solutions, the level of service provision and donor attention is rapidly declining. Many assume that the emergency has ended, however there are still humanitarian needs for the IDPs. There is a clear gap between short-term emergency measures and the comprehensive medium and long-term initiatives that internally displaced people (IDPs) need to end their displacement and restart their lives.

Current displacements, mainly affecting pastoralists in arid and semi-arid areas, also need to be acknowledged as significant needs and protection concerns remain. The lack of reliable data on IDPs and their location, including those who have returned to their places of origin or resettled elsewhere, remains a major challenge.

The humanitarian community has begun contingency planning for any large-scale displacement associated with the March 2013 general election, but so far – with the exception of the Kenya Red Cross - it is not fully prepared to respond. Ongoing peace and reconciliation projects, which are critical to the achievement of durable solutions and the prevention of future displacement, are currently at risk of being cut because of insufficient funding. Kenya has made laudable progress in passing a bill and adopting a policy on IDPs, which now need to be implemented.