By Issa Hussein - Reporter
Kenya, 22 June 2026 - Kituo Cha Sheria, with support from the German International Cooperation (GIZ), has successfully concluded a five-day training programme on Psychological First Aid (PFA), Mental Health, and Alternative Justice Systems (AJS) for paralegals, refugee representatives, and host community leaders in Kakuma.
The training brought together key community actors from both refugee and host populations and focused on strengthening their capacity to provide psychosocial support, promote mental well-being, and facilitate access to justice at the grassroots level.
Participants were equipped with practical skills in psychological first aid and mental health support, as well as community-based approaches to conflict resolution and justice. The programme also explored the use of art and theatre as tools for healing, resilience-building, and community engagement.
Kituo Cha Sheria said the initiative is part of broader efforts to empower communities to respond effectively to mental health challenges and social disputes while fostering peaceful coexistence.
The training culminated in activities to mark World Refugee Day, during which refugees and members of the host community took part in basketball matches aimed at strengthening integration and social cohesion.
The sporting events provided an opportunity for participants to interact, build friendships, and celebrate diversity, underscoring the role of sports in promoting unity and peaceful coexistence.
More from Kenya
Organisers noted that both the training and sports activities were designed to enhance community resilience and create safe spaces for dialogue, support, and collaboration among people living in and around Kakuma.
The programme was implemented in partnership with the Department of Refugee Services (DRS), Hakijamii, the Refugee Consortium of Kenya (RCK), RefugePoint, Refugee Impact, RefuSHE, and UNHCR Kenya.
Stakeholders expressed optimism that the knowledge and skills gained during the training would contribute to improved mental health support systems and increased access to justice for refugees and host communities in Turkana County.