The Kenyan case reopens an important dialogue on citizenship, inclusion and rights: to what extent can an African country integrate refugees when many of its own citizens live in precarious conditions? And what does integration truly mean in societies already shaped by deep-rooted inequalities?
This conversation must move beyond political and academic spheres and engage directly with the communities at its heart. That is the mission of platforms like Dialogue Migration – bringing people back to the centre of the migration discourse and ensuring that local voices and lived experiences inform policy decisions.Migration is, and will continue to be, a fundamental reality in Africa. Whether voluntary or forced, it demands coordinated responses grounded in solidarity and respect for the rights of all. The Shirika Plan holds promise… but only if it emerges from a genuine dialogue between the state, refugees and host communities.