The Influence of Refugee Integration on Socio-Economic Development of Kenya: A Case Study of Urban Refugees in Nairobi (2006-2019)

The main objective of this study was to examine the influence of refugee integration on the socio-economic development of Nairobi County in Kenya. The study had several specific objectives which included: to examine the social activities that refugees in Nairobi County are engaged in, to find out the social contribution of refugee integration in Nairobi County, to find out the economic contribution of refugee integration in Nairobi Count This research took an exploratory survey design. The study was carried out in Nairobi County, which is the capital city of Kenya and has the highest number of urban refugees. This study target population included refugees residing in Kenyan urban areas. There is a total of 486,460 refugees in Kenya; 65,715 of them live in urban areas, mainly Nairobi This study used both primary and secondary data. Primary data was collected through interviews, while secondary data was collected through a review of the publication, including books, journals, reports, web articles, and newspapers. The study analyzed the data obtained from host community members, refugee organizations, civil servants, and the refugees. From the analysis, the study observed there was a mixed reaction to the integration process of refugees and the host community. It, however, noted positive relations between refugees and the members of the hosting community, there was, however, negative interaction between the government and the refugee. The economic impact of refugees is difficult to quantify, but the effect is felt on the areas that they reside in. The study recommended the provision of refugee identification cards to refugees to provide data that can help in solving their problems while enhancing the well-being of the country. The study further recommended the provision of platforms where refugees can acquire limited loans to start and maintain their economic activities as well as the provision of special business licenses that will allow them to help in the growth of the country effectively.