from First Substantive Progress Report

August 2008 - March 2009

Lokichokio, Kakuma and Dadaab Host Community Project, Kenya

I. PURPOSE

This project aims at contributing towards reduction of violent conflict and improves the living conditions of the targeted affected population, mitigate the severe effects of the cyclical drought common in host community areas, through provision of basic social services and security, peace building and community skills in resource management, and support to income generating activities. This will ensure diffusion of tension between the refugees and the host communities and prevent possible escalation of violent conflicts. The CPAP output which the project aims to achieve is: “To improve living conditions of the host community around the refugee camps in Kakuma, Dadaab and the OLS camp in Lokichoggio through the provision of basic social services and security, peace building and community skills in resource management and income generation (CPAP 58, VI).

The National Authorities Development Papers recognise the challenges of insecurity as a result of hosting large refugee populations emanating from ‘regional conflicts which have had adverse impacts on security and indeed the economy of Kenya, with refugees from neighbouring countries continuing to strain available resources and posing a security threat due to the proliferation of fire arms.’ The United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) based national priorities echoes similar sentiments, ‘The burden of hosting a large number of refugees, for over a decade has led to the proliferation of small arms, crime, drug trafficking, conflict between the refugee and host community populations and environmental damage. As a result there have been regional efforts aimed to combat arms and drug trafficking, however the problem persists

In this regard therefore the project activities are expected to contribute to building a base for increased participation in development initiatives and linkage with overall national development objectives and achievement of MDGs. In particular, they would feed to eradication of poverty, support to provision of universal education, promote gender equality and empowerment of women, and ensure environmental sustainability.

The main implementing partners are: UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP and UNDP Kenya