Head count underway in Kakuma camp

A refugee head count is underway at Kakuma refugee camp, northwestern Kenya, the UNHCR’s Saber Azam said on Wednesday. The operation, also known as the card revalidation exercise, was being carried out by some 127 government officials from the home affairs ministry, the national bureau for registration and immigration department, alongside UNHCR personnel, he told IRIN. “By the end of May, we will know the current refugee population in the camp,” he said. After the census, the refugees will be issued with identity cards.

“It will be the first time in Kenya that refugees will be issued with identity cards ... it is important to be rightfully recognised,” Azam said. “It is a highly welcome move and we are really grateful.” Kakuma has reached saturation point and the UNHCR is considering the need either to expand the camp or open another site, he said. “Because of the increase in the number of refugees, we need more space. We have asked the government to assist in this but, whichever the place, the availability of water is a priority,” Azam added.