Mudavadi: Kenya Gets 20 South Sudanese Refugees Every Day

• Apr 02, 2025

Kenya receives about 20 refugees from South Sudan daily, a situation that is straining the country’s resources and presenting new challenges for the Foreign Affairs Ministry, according to Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.

Speaking at the Senate plenary on April 2, 2025, Mudavadi said the worsening crisis in South Sudan has led to a steady influx of refugees into Kenya. He noted that this rise in arrivals is adding to the country’s already complex security and humanitarian issues.

“The situation in South Sudan is getting worse, and we are beginning to see another influx of refugees at the rate of about 20 per day. This is creating certain challenges for us,” Mudavadi stated.

He further highlighted ongoing security threats Kenya faces, including the persistent menace of Al Shabaab and conflicts along the Somali border. Additionally, he mentioned sporadic clashes at the Marsabit-Ethiopia border, which continue to pose security risks.

“We still face challenges from Al Shabaab and the conflict around the Somali side, as well as sporadic clashes along the Marsabit-Ethiopian border. These are serious security issues that must be addressed both regionally and internally,” he added.

Regarding the issue of Kenyan refugees in Ethiopia, Mudavadi clarified that the government would not offer compensation to those returning. Instead, the state would only facilitate their repatriation and reintegration into Kenyan society.

“With regards to compensation, the government only facilitates the return and reintegration of any Kenyan refugee who has been granted asylum in another country. No compensation is paid by the government for any returning Kenyan,” he explained in response to a question from Marsabit Senator Mohamed Chute.

However, Mudavadi outlined some measures that the government plans to take concerning the situation. He stressed that repatriation should be voluntary and carried out with dignity, ensuring that refugees are making informed choices without coercion.

“The repatriation process should be voluntary, based on an informed decision made by the refugees. They should not be forced or coerced into returning, and it should be done in a dignified manner,” he said.

He also emphasized the importance of ensuring that returning refugees are safe, free from discrimination, and provided with basic services to prevent further displacement. He called for cooperation between the Kenyan government, the Ethiopian government, and the UNHCR to facilitate a smooth reintegration process.

As Kenya continues to manage refugee arrivals and border security challenges, the government is expected to step up efforts to address both humanitarian and security concerns affecting the region.