The Refugee Affairs Secretariat (RAS) in Kenya was established in 2017, succeeding the Department of Refugee Affairs to improve the management of refugee issues. Its mandate includes overseeing refugee registration, status determination, and integration efforts, as well as implementing policies related to refugees and asylum seekers. RAS collaborates with various stakeholders, including local and international organizations, to ensure safe and inclusive environments for refugees. Its primary goal is to provide durable solutions to the challenges faced by
displaced persons in Kenya.
CEO: John Burugu
Mr. John Burugu is the Commissioner for Refugee Affairs in Kenya, appointed in March 2023. He has extensive experience in governance and public service, previously serving on the Nakuru County Assembly Service Board and the Intergovernmental Relations Technical Committee. Burugu is also an author and consultant on devolution
and governance.
Management Team
John Burugu
Commissioner for Refugee Affairs
Muthomi Njuguna
Deputy Commissioner for Refugee Affairs
Joan Wanjiku Karanja
Head of the Refugee Registration Unit
David Muriuki
Head of Refugee Status Determination Unit
Jane Nyabera
Head of Protection Unit
Peter Muriuki
Head of Community Services Unit
Functions
- Refugee Registration: Overseeing the registration process for refugees and asylum seekers to ensure proper documentation.
- Status Determination: Assessing and determining the refugee status of applicants.
- Policy Implementation: Enforcing government policies on refugee management and protection.
- Collaboration with Stakeholders: Working with local and international organizations to address refugee needs and challenges.
- Refugee Integration: Facilitating the social and economic integration of refugees into host communities.
- Capacity Building: Providing training and resources for stakeholders involved in refugee management.
- Advocacy and Awareness: Promoting awareness of refugee issues and rights among the public and government officials.
- Data Management: Collecting and maintaining data on refugee populations for informed decision-making.
- Emergency Response: Coordinating responses to refugee crises and emergencies, including influxes of displaced persons.
- Durable Solutions: Exploring and implementing long-term solutions for refugees, including resettlement and local integration
Important Links
Address & Contacts
- P.O. Box 42227-00100, Nairobi
The Corporate Place
Kiambere Road, Upper Hill - info@refugee.go.ke refugeeaffairs@refugee.go.ke
- 020 4405057 020 4348143/5