US committee for refugees and immigrants expands reach with new office in Nairobi

By Moses Muli

Published: March 26, 2024, 12:04 PM(EAT)

The US Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI) has inaugurated an office in Kenya highlighting its commitment to promoting the well-being of the refugees in the region.

The office now adds to its global network of field offices spanning across the US, El Salvador, Honduras, and Mexico.

USCRI President and CEO Eskinder Negash in a statement expressed the organization’s enthusiasm for extending direct services to protracted refugee camps in the region.

Negash noted that the office will help advocate for stronger refugee protections and policies while enhancing the safety and education of child refugees.

“Our office in Nairobi will provide social services to improve the health and education of child refugees, as well as advocacy for stronger refugee protections and policies,” he said.

For over fifty years, the organization has been an advocate for refugees, particularly those enduring prolonged stays in camps, especially in East Africa.

This number reached 714,137 at the end of January, of which 51 per cent are children.

While most refugees and asylum seekers (86 per cent) live in the Dadaab and Kakuma camps, 14 per cent (99,960) live in urban areas.

Nairobi is becoming an increasingly appealing destination for refugees, primarily due to the city’s safety, access to services, and economic opportunities.

Following several visits over the last year to Nairobi and the Dadaab and Kakuma refugee camps, USCRI looks forward to strengthening relationships with engaged partners throughout Kenya and East Africa.

Firdaus Bashee will now be in charge of the Kenyan office.

USCRI says her commitment to humanitarian and advocacy causes for refugees and migrants is evident through her past contribution to the African Migration and Development Policy Centre and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Africa.

“I am honoured and excited to contribute to USCRI’s continued success and growth, especially as we inaugurate our new office in Kenya,” said Bashee.

USCRI was founded in 1911 to protect the rights and address the needs of persons in forced or voluntary migration worldwide and support their transition to a dignified life.