By Issa Hussein - Reporter
Kenya, June 20, 2026 - Kenya has renewed its pledge to protect, include and empower refugees, with Principal Secretary for Immigration and Citizen Services Dr. Belio Kipsang saying the country’s work will not be complete until everyone is safe.
Dr. Kipsang was the guest speaker during the commemoration of World Refugee Day 2026 held at the University of Nairobi, under the theme "Until Everyone is Safe."
The event brought together government officials, development partners, humanitarian organizations, refugee-led organizations, host communities, and other stakeholders to celebrate the resilience, courage, and achievements of refugees across the world.
In his remarks, Dr. Kipsang reaffirmed Kenya’s unwavering commitment to refugee protection, inclusion, and the pursuit of sustainable solutions that uphold human dignity.
He highlighted the importance of collective action, shared responsibility, and strengthened partnerships in ensuring that refugees are not only protected but also empowered to rebuild their lives and contribute meaningfully to society.
The commemoration served as a powerful reminder that behind every displacement statistic is a human story of resilience, hope, and determination, he said.
As Kenya continues to champion inclusive and development-oriented approaches through initiatives such as the Shirika Plan, the country remains committed to fostering peaceful coexistence and shared prosperity between refugees and host communities.
“As we mark World Refugee Day 2026, we renew our commitment to standing in solidarity with refugees and working together to create a future where every person can live in safety, dignity, and hope, because our work is not complete until everyone is safe,” Dr. Kipsang said.
Present during the occasion were Commissioner for Refugee Affairs Ms. Mercy Mwasaru; UNHCR Deputy Country Representative Ms. Robin Ellis; University of Nairobi Deputy Vice-Chancellor Prof. Leonida Kerubo; IOM Chief of Mission Ms. Nomagugu Nkube; World Food Programme Country Representative Mr. Felix Oketch; NGO Refugee Co-Chair Mr Jacob Bonyo; Nairobi City County Executive Committee Member Brian Mulama; DG eCitizen Amb Isaac Ochieng, Secretary National Population Data Management, Ms. Judy Kilobi, among other senior officials from the State Department.
Meanwhile, refugees in Dadaab in Garissa County and Kakuma and Kalobeyei in Turkana are also celebrating the event spearheaded by UNHCR and its implementing partners.
Refugees marked the day with dances, poems and exhibitions showcasing their culture, skills and resilience.
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