Kenya has urged the international community to shift from short-term humanitarian assistance to long-term resilience financing, while showcasing its ambitious plan to transform refugee camps into integrated municipalities that promote self-reliance and economic inclusion.
Speaking at the 2026 Humanitarian Affairs Segment at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, Principal Secretary for National Administration Moses Lilan said sustainable humanitarian responses must focus on empowering communities and addressing the root causes of displacement and vulnerability.
Lilan, who led Kenya’s delegation to the high-level forum, called on governments, development agencies and humanitarian organizations to invest in locally driven solutions that strengthen resilience against climate shocks, conflict and economic disruptions.
“Kenya calls for greater investment in locally led responses that build resilience through anticipatory action, climate adaptation and livelihood programmes aimed at addressing the root causes of humanitarian crises,” Lilan said.
Kenya Showcases Shirika Plan
At the center of Kenya’s presentation was the Shirika Plan, a government initiative designed to transform refugee camps into fully integrated municipalities where refugees and host communities can access services, participate in economic activities and build sustainable livelihoods together.
According to Lilan, the initiative seeks to move beyond traditional refugee management models by creating opportunities for economic participation while easing pressure on communities that have hosted refugees for decades.
“These reforms are intended to transform refugee settlements into integrated municipalities that promote self-reliance, economic inclusion and shared prosperity for both refugees and host communities,” he said.
Kenya currently hosts more than 800,000 refugees, making it one of Africa’s largest refugee-hosting nations. Most are accommodated in regions that already face significant environmental and economic challenges.
Building Resilience Through Integrated Solutions
Lilan said the Shirika Plan complements other national programmes aimed at strengthening resilience, including the 15 Billion Trees Initiative and the Ending Drought Emergencies Framework.
He noted that the initiatives align with the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, which emphasizes inclusive development and coordinated action across government institutions and communities.
“Kenya is pursuing integrated solutions that reduce vulnerability, strengthen resilience and create opportunities for sustainable development,” Lilan said.
The PS added that addressing displacement, climate change and poverty requires a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach that brings together national governments, local communities and international partners.
Strengthening Disaster Management
Lilan also highlighted Kenya’s legal and policy framework for managing displacement and humanitarian challenges, citing the Refugees Act, 2021 and the Prevention, Protection and Assistance to Internally Displaced Persons and Affected Communities Act, 2012.
He further announced that the Disaster Risk Management Act, 2026 is set to come into force, describing it as a major milestone in strengthening Kenya’s ability to prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters.
“The new law will enhance our national capacity to prevent, prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters while strengthening coordination among stakeholders,” he said.
Call for Long-Term Financing
Despite ongoing progress, Lilan acknowledged that limited funding remains one of the biggest obstacles facing humanitarian and resilience programmes.
He called on development partners to provide predictable and sustainable financing mechanisms that support long-term solutions rather than emergency responses alone.
“International cooperation must complement national efforts by financing resilience and sustainable development, not merely responding to disasters after they occur,” he said.
The three-day forum, convened under the auspices of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), brought together member states, UN agencies and humanitarian organizations to discuss global responses to climate change, displacement, conflict and other emerging humanitarian challenges.
Kenya used the platform to position itself as a leader in advancing innovative approaches that link humanitarian action, development and long-term resilience.
