Towards A Sustainable Model of Refugee Repatriation: A Case Study of Somalia Refugees In Kenya (1992-2014)

Nations in Africa have experienced endemic dictatorial regimes by its leader. At times when the democratic space is fast expanding, citizens are increasingly rising against such governance and consequently resulting in protracted ethnic conflicts and civil wars. As a result of this war, it becomes imperative to millions of people; to make the decision to flee and seek refuge in relatively safer environments. In the case of Somalia, the Somali refugees have sought asylum in the refugee3 camps along the borders of Kenya since the breakout of civil war in 1992. The problem of Somali refugees is certainly one of the major concerns for protracted refugee situations of the UNHCR and the region and the three 'durable' solutions of integration, repatriation 4 and resettlement are among the considered options for the management of the situation. The ongoing peace efforts in Somali by TFG and KDF have renewed debate in this process. Kenyans of Somali descent have largely been prejudiced against due to their perceived association to terrorist activities. This thesis looks at the options for management of the Somali refugees in Kenya. With the African Union and Kenya being at war with al-Shabab, the probability of a hurried repatriation exercise to legitimize the peace process is high. The eagerness by Kenya to rid itself of an enduring burden of refugees might also over shadow the best interest of the refugees. The consequences are catastrophic to the refugees and concerned actors in long- term national and regional stability. This research seeks to fill the gap in the literature by going beyond identifying the inadequacies of voluntary repatriation as provided for in the UNHCR convention and provide a best practice model for Somalia refugee repatriation. This thesis will examine the planned Kenya repatriation as a tool to resolve the protracted refugee situation.