EA WHISPERS – By Isaac Mwangi
Kenya is home to more than 823,000 refugees. That’s not just a big number—it’s a big responsibility too. According to the 2024 Economic Survey, most of these refugees are from Somalia and South Sudan. And while Kenya continues to offer them safety, one question remains: Where is the EAC in all this?
The Community was created with the dream of unity—not just to boost trade, but to help each other during tough times. But right now, it feels like Kenya is standing alone. Hosting over half a million Somali refugees and nearly 200,000 South Sudanese is no small task. It comes with pressure on the country’s schools, hospitals, food supplies, and even jobs. Why should one country carry this burden alone on behalf of the entire region?
Countries like Uganda and Tanzania have also hosted refugees. But Kenya is doing the heavy lifting now, especially with Dadaab and Kakuma camps overflowing. There should be a better way for regional countries to share the load—maybe through a joint refugee plan or even by agreeing to take in some of the displaced families.
What’s even more worrying is how quiet the region has been when it comes to conflict resolution. There is no joint roadmap towards resolving the conflicts in Somalia and South Sudan. No united voice pushing for peace. Every country is watching from the sidelines while Kenya struggles to help people who’ve lost everything.
And let’s be honest—the €14.5 million pledge from the European Union refugee support in 2025 is helpful. But it also shows something troubling: the EAC still waits for outsiders to step in when problems arise. Shouldn’t we have our own emergency fund? Our own plan?
Refugees are our neighbours too. Kenya’s compassion is something to be proud of. But it shouldn’t be taken for granted. The EAC must start acting like the community it claims to be. That means stepping up for each other—not just in trade deals, but even more so when lives are at stake.
The refugee crisis unfolding in Kenya is a shared regional challenge that calls for collective action. Right now, thousands of displaced men, women, and children are seeking safety and dignity, but one country alone cannot carry the weight of their needs. This is a real test of the EAC’s values such as solidarity, cooperation, and mutual support.
Isaac Mwangi writes on social, political and economic issues in East Africa.
📧 Email: isaacmmwangi@gmail.com
