For over three decades, Kenya has played a vital role in hosting refugees, with more than 710,000 currently residing in the country, primarily in refugee camps located in Turkana and Garissa Counties. The Dadaab Refugee Complex, home to over 335,000 refugees, predominantly from Somalia, serves as a testament to Kenya’s enduring commitment to providing refuge for those in need.
In a significant event uniting faith and business leaders, private sector partners, media, and senior UNHCR leadership, the UN Refugee Agency, UNHCR, inaugurated its 2024 Ramadan campaign in Kenya. Held at the UNHCR’s Regional Bureau for East, Horn of Africa, and Great Lakes region, the launch emphasized the campaign’s anticipated impact on the lives of displaced individuals and host communities in Dadaab.
This year’s Ramadan campaign aims to mobilize essential resources to sustain UNHCR’s provision of clean water to tens of thousands of refugees and host community members in Dadaab, alongside providing shelter kits to the most vulnerable families.
“I am delighted to be in Nairobi to help kickstart the 2024 Ramadan Campaign with our key private sector partners and faith leaders. This year, the campaign aims to raise funds to support water and shelter needs for thousands of families currently residing in Dadaab Refugee Camp,” remarked Kelly T. Clements, UNHCR Deputy High Commissioner. “Campaigns such as this one provide a much-needed lifeline for individuals who have been forced to flee and communities hosting them.”
Funds from last year’s campaign have already made a tangible difference, enabling UNHCR to maintain seven boreholes in Dadaab, ensuring a sustained water supply to over 100,000 people.
This year sees an increase in support from new UNHCR private sector partners like DIB Bank Kenya, showcasing their commitment to the Ramadan campaign. DIB Bank is co-hosting UNHCR’s Ramadan iftar fundraiser and was represented at today’s launch event.
“As a leading Islamic Financial Institution, we are honoured to partner with UNHCR to support Refugees in their time of need,” stated Mary Kanuku, DIB Bank’s Head of Treasury, representing the CEO’s Office. “By supporting UNHCR’s vital work, we are reaffirming our commitment to making a positive impact on global humanitarian issues.”
UNHCR’s annual Ramadan campaign in Kenya serves as a platform for Sadaqah and Zakat contributions, channelled towards supporting refugees and host communities in the Dadaab refugee camp. This year’s campaign welcomes partnerships with Kenya’s private sector and individuals to address water and shelter needs for refugees and local host communities.
Globally, UNHCR’s Refugee Zakat Fund, established in 2019, continues to effectively harness Zakat and Sadaqah contributions to assist vulnerable refugees and IDPs across Africa, the Middle East and North Africa, and Asia, impacting over 7 million lives to date.
