Armed conflict in South Sudan in mid-December 2013 led to an unprecedented influx of asylum seekers into Kenya. Over the course of the year, the government of Kenya has granted safe asylum to some 22,300 new arrivals that were subsequently received by UNHCR and provided with essential services and protection assistance in Kakuma. As of 31 December, Kakuma camp hosted more than 128,500 refugees and asylum seekers, which represents an increase of around 20 per cent compared to 2012. Despite this significant increase in the number of refugees and asylum seekers residing in Kakuma, the operation’s overall funding levels remained much lower than in previous years. This combination of reduced funding, coupled with an increase in the population of concern has created glaring gaps in various sectorial interventions, leading to what many referred to as a “silent emergency”.
Despite significant funding constraints, UNHCR operations in Kakuma remained focused and committed to prioritizing core protection functions including life-saving assistance, registration, refugee status determination (RSD), and ensuring the protection of women and children.
Child protection: During the year, more than 8,000 unaccompanied and separated children had their best interest determination and assessment (BID/BIA) initiated. UNHCR, working closely with the Government, facilitated the issuance of birth certificates to over 2,400 children.
SGBV prevention and response: UNHCR implemented interventions aimed at reducing the risks of sexual and gender-based violence. Some 370 survivors received appropriate support.
Health and nutrition: The crude mortality rate remained the same as in 2012 while the under-five mortality rate increased marginally from 0.5 to 0.6 persons per 1000 per month. The global acute malnutrition (GAM) rate stands at 8 per cent.
Education: UNHCR observed high enrolment rates, with a total of over 35,000 (14,500 girls) children and youth enrolled in the camp schools. This represented a significant increase of around 30 per cent compared to the beginning of last year.