Official refugee identification documents gazetted

Nairobi, 

Thursday, 2 November, 2023. 

McCreadie Andias 

Refugees and Asylum seekers have now earned a reason to smile as Interior CS Prof Kithure Kindiki officially Gazetted refugee identification documents that will foster their inclusion in Socio - Economic pathways.

Under the Refugee Act No. 10 of 2021 and the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act No. 12 of 2011, 6 documents were gazetted as official refugee identification documents.

"It is hereby Notified for the general information of the public that Persuant of section 28 (7) of the Refugee Act, as read together with section 56 (2) of the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act, The Cabinet Secretary for interior and National Administration declares the following documents as refugee identification documents for purposes of acquiring services provided by the Government of Kenya x. " The notice read.

Some of the Approved identification documents include a refugee Identity card, Asylum seekers pass, proof of registration, Movement pass, letter of Recognition and Conventional travel document made on the 19,September 2023.

The Department for refugee services noted that refugees can now acess financial and communication services from Communications Authority of Kenya,Kenya Bankers among others. 

According to refugee commisioner J. N Burungu, the gazzetement enhances opportunities and other empowerment pathways, skilling, attachment and overall enjoyment of refugee rights and Livelihoods among education, health, social protection and documentation. 

The commisioner for refugee affairs hailed this as a major milestone in the Refugee empowerment dignifying their identities and the right step foward for socio-economic inclusion of refugees and Asylum seekers in Kenya.