Afghan Refugees in Kenya's Kakuma Camp Report Worsening Humanitarian Conditions

Afghan refugees in Kakuma camp, located in Kenya's Turkana province in East Africa, have reported to Afghanistan International that their conditions are deteriorating day by day.

Families who fled Afghanistan after the Taliban's takeover of Kabul in August 2021 due to human rights violations described living in very difficult circumstances in a remote corner of the world. They face serious daily challenges, including limited access to food, clean drinking water, healthcare, and education. Job opportunities are scarce, leaving families dependent on insufficient humanitarian aid. Many children are growing up without proper education, and youth report having no hope for a secure future.

One refugee stated on Tuesday that unidentified groups attack refugees and steal their mobile phones. Videos received by Afghanistan International show the dire conditions of some tents.

Most Afghan refugees entered Kenya on tourist visas after the fall of Kabul and later applied for asylum through the United Nations. A former Afghan security force member in Kenya said the UN agency pays no attention to the refugees' security and needs. He added that criminal groups attack tents at night or rob refugees during the day.

The psychological pressure on refugees is heavy, as they grapple with uncertainty, long waits for resettlement, and lack of clear information about their future after escaping violence in Afghanistan. Many families fear the international community has forgotten them.

Kakuma, one of Africa's largest refugee camps, was established in 1992 in northwest Kenya's Turkana province. It hosts thousands from countries including Sudan, Somalia, Ethiopia, and Afghanistan who fled war, human rights abuses, and violence.

Refugees urge the United Nations, humanitarian organizations, and donor countries to immediately examine conditions for Afghans in Africa. They call for increased humanitarian aid, faster and fairer resettlement processes, access to education and livelihood programs, and strengthened support mechanisms.