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Hero background: Aerial view of a humanitarian settlement in Eastern Africa — representing the communities at the heart of Refugee Week Kenya 2026.
🌍 Refugee Week Cross-Culture Festival · Kenya 2026

Courage in Unity.
Integration & Courage.

A 3-day cross-cultural festival in Nairobi celebrating refugee resilience, showcasing refugee contributions, and fostering the social cohesion needed for Kenya's historic shift under the Shirika Plan — moving over 840,000 refugees from encampment toward full socio-economic integration. Bringing together refugee-led organisations, policymakers, humanitarian actors, researchers, artists, and development partners to shape a shared future.

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Registration Open Sponsor Packages Available Exhibition Booths Limited
Participating: 🇰🇪 🇺🇬 🇹🇿 🇷🇼 🇧🇮 🇪🇹 🇸🇸 🇸🇴 🇨🇩 🇸🇩
June 17–19, 2026
University of Nairobi  ·  In-person & Virtual
1,000+ Participants · 10 Countries
3 Days · Voices of Courage Finale
Register Now →
About the Event

What is Refugee Week Kenya 2026?

Kenya is undergoing a historic policy shift through the Shirika Plan, moving away from the traditional encampment model toward the socio-economic integration of over 840,000 refugees. The Refugee Week Cross-Culture Festival is designed as a cross-cultural platform to celebrate refugee resilience, showcase refugee contributions, and foster the social cohesion necessary for successful integration — combining policy dialogue, cultural expression, and economic empowerment.

🦁
Celebrate ResilienceHighlight the immense courage of individuals forced to flee and their success in rebuilding lives.
🤝
Promote IntegrationFacilitate meaningful interaction between refugees, host communities, and stakeholders — government, NGOs, and the private sector.
📜
Advocate for PolicyPlatform for stakeholders to discuss implementation of the Refugee Act 2021 and the Shirika Plan.
💼
Economic EmpowermentShowcase refugee-led businesses and craftsmanship to promote self-reliance and entrepreneurship.
🏭
Labour Market AccessPromote recognition of refugee skills, access to decent work, and private sector partnerships to unlock employment opportunities.
Refugee Week 2026 — dignity, movement, and community

"Courage in Unity: Integration & Courage."

— Refugee Week Kenya 2026 Theme

3Days of Events
40+Sessions & Workshops
10Countries
1K+Expected Participants
Event Themes

One Theme. Three Days of Action.

Refugee Week Kenya 2026 is anchored in the theme "Courage in Unity: Integration & Courage", explored across dialogues, performances, policy forums, and community celebrations — a living demonstration of integration in practice.

🤝 Integration & Belonging
🦁 Courage in Unity
🛡️ Refugee Rights & Protection
💼 Livelihoods & Economic Inclusion
🚀 Youth & Innovation
🎨 Arts, Culture & Identity
🎙️ Storytelling & Media
🗺️ Regional Migration Policy
Expected Outcomes

What We Aim to Achieve

The festival is designed to produce concrete, measurable results across public awareness, policy, and economic inclusion.

📣
Increased Public Awareness Greater empathy and understanding of the refugee experience among Kenyans.
🔗
Network Strengthening Improved collaboration between Refugee-Led Organisations (RLOs) and government agencies.
📋
Policy Momentum Renewed public and donor commitment to Shirika Plan funding and implementation.
💼
Economic Inclusion Enhanced access to employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for refugees.
🎓
Skills Utilisation Recognition and certification of refugee talents contributing to Kenya's workforce development.
🤲
Social Cohesion Stronger bonds between refugee and host communities built through shared cultural experiences and dialogue.
Regional Participation

Regional Participation Across Eastern Africa

Delegates, organizations, and refugee-led groups from across the region are confirmed to participate in Refugee Week Kenya 2026.

🇰🇪
Kenya
Host Nation
★ Host
🇺🇬
Uganda
Participant
25+ Delegates
🇹🇿
Tanzania
Participant
15+ Delegates
🇷🇼
Rwanda
Participant
20+ Delegates
🇧🇮
Burundi
Participant
12+ Delegates
🇪🇹
Ethiopia
Participant
30+ Delegates
🇸🇸
South Sudan
Participant
18+ Delegates
🇸🇴
Somalia
Participant
22+ Delegates
🇨🇩
DR Congo
Participant
16+ Delegates
🇸🇩
Sudan
Participant
14+ Delegates
Programme

3-Day Event Schedule

Three days of dialogue, culture, and community action — 17 to 19 June 2026. All main sessions available in-person and streamed online.

🗓️ All 3 Days (June 17–19):   Market of Hope (refugee-led business fair)  ·  Integration Exchange (dialogue sessions)  ·  Umoja Mosaic (visual art & photography)  ·  Culinary Journey (intercultural food court)
Theme: Policy to Practice — Operationalising the Shirika Plan
09:00 AM
Cultural Parade
Parade of diverse nationalities — refugees and host communities showcasing traditional dance and attire
Cultural
10:00 AM
Opening Ceremony
Opening remarks & guest speakers: DRS, UNHCR, NCM, NCCG, INGO, URC, MPH, RLO Coordination Board Chair, Women-led organisations
Opening
10:45 AM
Shirika Dialogue
High-level roundtable on operationalising the Shirika Plan for socio-economic inclusion — DRS, UNHCR presentations + Plenary
Dialogue
11:15 AM
Tea Break
Healthy tea break
Break
11:30 AM
Panel 1: Financing Integration & Inclusion
Innovative funding models, donor commitments, private sector investment, disparities + Q&A
Panel
12:15 PM
Panel 2: Labour Market Access & Skills Recognition
Pathways into decent work, certification of skills, employer and private sector partnerships
Panel
01:15 PM
Integration Exchange Tour
Service delivery pop-ups by government agencies, CSOs, and private sector · Culinary Journey experience · Exhibitions
Tour
All Day
Market of Hope · Umoja Mosaic · Culinary Journey · Integration Exchange Hub
University of Nairobi Grounds · Open to all registered participants
Running Features
Theme: Beyond My Status — Strengthening Resilience & Localised Solutions
08:00 AM
Registration & Installation
Tea & coffee served
Arrival
09:00 AM
Opening Remarks
DRS, UNHCR, Donor Community, Migration Pulse Hub, PWD-led, Women-led organisations, URC
Opening
09:45 AM
Panel 1: Quality Partnerships & Financing Locally-Led Programming
How can partnerships be more effective, just and sustainable? e.g. NITA/TVETs + RLOs, banks & financial inclusion + Q&A
Panel
11:00 AM
Tea Break
Healthy tea break
Break
11:30 AM
Panel 2: RLOs as Catalysts of Durable Solutions
Evidence of best practice in localised programming, reducing aid dependency, cost effectiveness — delivering more with less + Q&A
Panel
12:45 PM
Ways Forward — Partnerships Roundtable
Roundtable discussion: ignition of action points, reinforcing refugee-centeredness in programming, locally-led solutions
Roundtable
01:15 PM
Market of Hope Tour & Lunch at the Culinary Journey
Guests visit and promote exhibitors while supporting the food culture exhibition (self-pay lunch)
Tour & Lunch
All Day
Market of Hope · Umoja Mosaic · Culinary Journey · Integration Exchange Hub
University of Nairobi Grounds · Open to all registered participants
Running Features
Theme: Voices of Courage — Storytelling & Celebration
08:00 AM
Arrival & Registration
Early coffee & tea served
Arrival
09:00 AM
Voices of Courage
"Living Libraries" — refugees share stories through film, storytelling, and poetry
Storytelling
11:00 AM
Closing Remarks & Votes of Thanks
MPH, URC, UNHCR, DRS (Government)
Closing
12:00 PM
Open Market Tour & Mingling
Exhibitions and service provision pop-ups · Networking with participants
Networking
04:30 PM
Gushima Gala ✨ (Venue TBA)
Networking and stakeholder recognition · Gushima means "thanksgiving" · Cocktail hour · Formal attire
Gala Evening
06:00 PM
Main Stage — Performances & Entertainment
Live shows from refugee musicians and Kenyan artists · Cocktail hour · Open celebration
Main Stage
All Day
Market of Hope · Umoja Mosaic · Food Culture & Culinary Journey · Integration Exchange Hub
University of Nairobi Grounds · Open to all registered participants
Running Features
📥 Full programme available for download Download Schedule PDF RSVP for Sessions →
Speakers 2026

Speakers & Panelists

Changemakers, advocates, researchers, artists, and refugee leaders from across Eastern Africa and the global stage. Confirmations ongoing — all speakers listed as TBC until formally confirmed.

DO
TBC — Damaris Oluga
Regional Coordination Manager, Migration Pulse Hub
🇰🇪 Kenya
DO
TBC — Policy Lead
Ministry of Interior, Horn of Africa
🇪🇹 Ethiopia
RO
TBC — UNHCR Representative
UNHCR Regional Bureau Eastern Africa
🌍 Regional
RL
TBC — Refugee-Led Speaker
Community Leader & Advocate
🇸🇸 South Sudan
CL
TBC — Climate Expert
Climate & Displacement Researcher
🇸🇴 Somalia
AL
TBC — Legal Advocate
Strategic Litigation Specialist
🇺🇬 Uganda
Are you a researcher, advocate, community leader, or practitioner? Submit your speaker application by 15th June 2026. Apply as Speaker
Join Refugee Week Kenya 2026

Registration Hub

Select your participation type below. All registrations are reviewed within 3 working days. Confirmation and digital ticket sent by email.

🔒 Privacy notice: We collect only the minimum details needed to process your registration. Your information is handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy. Do not share sensitive documents in this form. A member of our team will contact you if additional verification is needed.
📲 Register via WhatsApp
✅ Thank you! Your registration has been received. Check your email for a confirmation within 3 working days.
✅ Speaker application received. Our programme team will review and respond by April 15, 2026.
✅ Media accreditation request received. Our communications team will respond within 5 working days.
✅ Volunteer application received! We will be in touch by May 2026 with your assignment.
Exhibition & Market

Book Your Exhibition Space

Refugee Week Kenya 2026 features a dedicated exhibition and vendor market with four official spaces: the Service Hub, the Market of Hope (business stalls), the Umoja Mosaic art gallery, and the Culinary Journey food stalls.

01
Service Hub
Available · 3×3m
02
Market of Hope
Business Stalls · Available
03
Umoja Mosaic
Art Gallery · Available
04
Culinary Journey
Food Stalls · Limited

Vendor / Exhibitor Booking Form

✅ Vendor booking request received. We will confirm your booth allocation and send payment details within 5 working days.
Stories & Media

Voices from the Movement

Documentary storytelling, photography highlights, and cultural showcases from communities across Eastern Africa.

Women walking — resilience and movement
Documentary Story
On the Move: Stories of Women Who Led Their Families to Safety
Market livelihoods in a refugee settlement
Photography Feature
Building Livelihoods: Markets as Anchors of Dignity in Displacement
Textile arts and cultural identity
Cultural Showcase
Threads of Identity: How East African Textiles Carry Stories Across Borders
Explore Full Media Gallery
In Collaboration With

Partners & Collaborators

🏛️ Government & Regulatory

Department of Refugee Services (DRS)
Ministry of Interior & National Administration
Nairobi County Government
National Registration Bureau (NRB)
Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA)
Business Registration Services (BRS)
Ministry of Health – SHA
Ministry of Education

🌍 International Organisations

UNHCR Kenya
World Food Programme (WFP)
International Labour Organization (ILO)
Amnesty International
Heinrich Böll Stiftung
Regional Durable Solutions Secretariat (ReDSS)
Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC)
OXFAM
KONEXIO Africa
Refugee Week Kenya Refugee Week International

🤝 Civil Society & NGOs

Refugee-Led Organisations (RLOs)
R-SEAT
Refugee Consortium of Kenya (RCK)
National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK)
Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS)
RefuSHE
Urban Refugees
Kenya Red Cross Society
🇰🇪 Migration Pulse Hub

🏦 Private Sector

Local Banks & Financial Institutions
Telecom Companies
+ Becoming Partners

Partnership confirmations ongoing. Contact us to join as a partner →

🤝

Partnership Update — May 2026

MPH and Umoja Refugee Creative recently met with the National Coordination Mechanism on Migration (NCM) to explore collaboration pathways ahead of the Refugee Week Festival. The discussion covered joint programming, policy engagement, and how the NCM can amplify the festival's impact.

Read the full update →
Become a Partner →
Venue & Logistics

Getting There & Getting Ready

🎓
University of Nairobi
University Way, Nairobi, Kenya — Nairobi 00100
✈️
Nearest Airport
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) — 17km, approx. 30–45 min drive
🚌
Getting Around
Matatu, Uber, and Bolt available city-wide. Shuttle service arranged for VIP delegates.
Accessibility
Venue is wheelchair accessible. Sign language interpretation available upon request. Please indicate any needs during registration.

🏨 Accommodation Options

Sarova Panafric Hotel5 min drive
Nairobi Safari Club10 min drive
Milimani Guest HousesBudget option · 10 min

Negotiated group rates available for registered delegates. Email events@migrationpulsehub.org for the accommodation code.

📋 Important Notes

  • Kenyan e-Visa available at evisa.go.ke for most nationalities
  • Invitation letters for visa applications available upon registration confirmation
  • All sessions will be live-streamed for virtual attendees
  • Photography and filming policy applies throughout the event
  • Event follows a zero-tolerance safeguarding policy
  • Code of conduct binding on all participants
Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Most sessions are free for registered participants. The Main Stage concert on June 19 evening is open to all. The Gushima Gala (June 19 evening) requires a separate ticket.
Yes. All main plenary sessions and keynotes will be live-streamed. Registered virtual attendees will receive a secure link via email before each session. Some workshops are in-person only due to capacity limits.
Once your registration is confirmed, you may request an official invitation letter by emailing events@migrationpulsehub.org with your full name, nationality, passport number, and organisation. Allow 5 working days for processing.
The primary working language is English. Key sessions will have Kiswahili interpretation. Simultaneous interpretation into Arabic, Somali, and Amharic is planned for the opening ceremony and plenary sessions.
Use the Vendor Booking Form above to apply for an exhibition space. We prioritise refugee-led businesses, CSOs, and organisations working in the migration and displacement space. Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Yes. Migration Pulse Hub operates under a strict safeguarding and child protection policy. All participants are required to read and abide by the event Code of Conduct. A dedicated safeguarding focal point will be present throughout the event. Report any concerns to the event team immediately.
A media and photography consent policy applies. Attendees may be photographed and filmed for event purposes. Individual speakers and panellists retain copyright over their presentations. Media accreditation is required for press and broadcast coverage.

Still have a question? Talk to Pulse or get in touch directly.

Contact the Events Team
More about Refugee Week: refugeeweek.org/refugee-week-kenya ↗ refugeeweek.org ↗
Don't miss Refugee Week Kenya 2026

Join Us. June 17–19, 2026. Nairobi.

"Courage in Unity: Integration & Courage."

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