Kampala and Nairobi Joint City Pledge to Institutionalize Refugee Inclusion

UgandaKenya

Dec 31

Written By Sophie van Haasen

Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) - Nairobi City County (NCC)

Mayors

Balimwezo Ronald Nsubuga (Kampala)

Arthur Johnson Sakaja (Nairobi)

Start of Project

01/01/2024

End of Project

01/01/2027

Project Website

Overview

Nairobi City County and Kampala Capital City Authority jointly committed to Institutionalise Refugee Inclusion (2024–2027), an initiative to embed refugee inclusion into city governance, services, and planning. Implemented with the International Rescue Committee’s Re:BUiLD programme, the Mayors Migration Council, and civil society partners, the pledge supports refugees and host communities by expanding access to services, livelihoods, and participation in urban life.

The cities laid out the following joint implementation strategy:

By 2024, conduct baseline surveys of their refugee populations and implement programs to support refugees’ socioeconomic inclusion, including upskilling.
By 2025, establish coordination mechanisms for integrated service provision to urban refugees alongside NGOs and INGOs.
By 2027, establish at least one innovation center per city to foster entrepreneurship and creativity among refugees and receiving communities.
By 2027, actively involve refugees in city planning, provide psychosocial support for refugee households, and establish mechanisms for refugee participation in local decision-making.
Finally, by 2027, establish dedicated sectors or departments for refugee engagement per city to ensure refugee inclusion is integrated into city policymaking.

Expected Impact

The expected impact of NCCG and KCCA’s action is the permanent institutionalization of refugee inclusion within local government plans, policies, and programs. This institutionalization will allow refugees to access social services, healthcare, education, and registration services while also creating a mandate for the cities to design and deliver their own refugee-focused programs through county government mechanisms.

This commitment follows the international community’s efforts to recognize urban refugees and empowers local governments to engage and provide for them as constituents.

Reported Impact [as of November 2025]

Through this action, the cities have established refugee focal points, rolled out the Nairobi County Refugee Integration Strategy, trained over 1,500 officials, created inclusive market systems, and delivered climate-smart and digital livelihood programmes reaching more than 600 people. The collaboration has strengthened city-level coordination and advanced refugee engagement in planning structures. Key challenges—such as limited funding, coordination gaps, and policy constraints—were addressed through expanded partnerships, improved inter-agency platforms, and stronger political buy-in.