The United Nations has asked the government to allow free movement of refugees to enable them do business in the country.
United Nations High Commission for Refugees special envoy on the Somalia refuge situation Mohamed Affey yesterday said the freedom will empower the asylum seekers.
Affey said refugees have been viewed as a burden to host countries yet they can be beneficial if granted freedom.
“Refugees are assets wherever they are and the issue of inclusion in economic development is one of the solutions,” Affey said.
He spoke during the commemoration of the World Refugees Day in Nairobi.
Kenya hosts more than 468 refugees from neighboring countries. They were displaced by civil war, insecurity and conflicts in Somalia, Burundi and South Sudan.
“Granting them freedom will make them useful to host countries,” Affey said.
Immigration PS Gordon Kihalangwa asked the UN to hasten the registration of refugees before the government commences a crackdown on illegal immigrants.
“There are between 50,000 and 70,000 refugees who are yet to be registered. I’m asking UNHCR to speed up the process because when the swoop begins, it will be unfortunate. The registration should be done urgently,” Kihalangwa said.
The PS said most refugees have “overstayed” in the country.
Interior ministry’s Chief Administrative Secretary Patrick Ntutu told refugees to abide by Kenyan laws for peace with host communities.
“Recent cases of violent conflict among refugees in Kakuma should not be entertained. It is not going to be possible for this country to offer asylum to people who want to perpetuate criminal acts,” Ntutu said.