The Role of Humanitarian Assistance to Refugees in the Implementation of Kenya’s Foreign Policy Goals: The Case of Refugees in Dadaab Camps

The study explored the role of humanitarian assistance to refugees in the implementation of Kenya’s foreign policy goals with accordance to the Dadaab refugee camps. The study established the purpose of Kenya’s foreign policy in supporting humanitarian operations in Dadaab. It adopted a qualitative study design. The target population for this study was 20 field coordinators working at the various organizations operating in the Dadaab camps. The study used purposive sampling in selecting a sample of 20 participants. The data collected was analyzed using themes and findings presented as a report in continuous prose form. The results revealed that the Kenyan government neither funds relief organization nor implements humanitarian policies to guide humanitarian activities in the Dadaab region. Rather, the government of Kenya provides lands, security and protection of staffs working in Dadaab refugee camps. Moreover, there was no clear framework to guide the organizations mandated by the Kenyan government to provide humanitarian aid in the Dadaab refugee complex. The study concluded that the Kenyan government does not take part in decision-making, although it plays the role of an active partner by offering suggestions to improve humanitarian aid coordination, programming, and delivery. It stipulated that most humanitarian organizations operating in the Dadaab refugee camps obtain funding from governments, corporations, private donors, institutions, international bodies, and partners.