Mudavadi: Govt will not compensate Kenyan refugees in Ethiopia
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, who doubles up as Foreign Affairs CS, has said that the government will not compensate the Kenyan refugees in Ethiopia.
Speaking when he appeared before the Senate plenary on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, Mudavadi maintained that the government can only facilitate the return of the refugees and their reintegration into the community.
“With regards to compensation, the government only facilitates return and reintegration into the Kenyan society for any Kenyan refugee granted asylum by any country. No compensations are paid by the government for any returning Kenyan,” Mudavadi said while responding to the question raised by Marsabit Senator Mohamed Chute.
Mudavadi on way forward
Mudavadi further gave some of the considerations the Kenya Kwanza government will undertake as the way forward.
He noted that the repatriation of the refugees should be undertaken for those who are willing to return, as it must be voluntary.
According to Mudavadi, Kenya should also ensure refugee returnees are safe, devoid of discrimination, and provided with basic services and access to essential services to avoid being exposed to another cycle of displacement.
“What do we consider as the way forward? One, repatriation of the refugees should be undertaken for those who are willing to return, as it must be voluntary. Based on an informed choice and consent to return given by the refugees to avoid coercion and prosecution, and it should also be done with dignity, and we hope this process can commence as soon as possible.
“Kenya should also ensure refugee returnees are safe, devoid of discrimination, and provided with basic services and access to essential services to avoid being exposed to another cycle of displacement. We must also engage and coordinate with the UNHCR, the Kenyan government, and the Ethiopian government to facilitate the return of the refugees,” Mudavadi said.
UNHCR report
According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), there are 5,672 Kenyan refugees in Ethiopia, which is an equivalent of one percent of the total refugees in the neighbouring country.
Out of the total number of Kenyan refugees in Ethiopia, Mudavadi noted that 2,788 males and 2,883 females are living in Dilo and Magatho.
“The breakdown today, as of December 31, 2024, for the Dilo, we have a total of 2,060, and in Magatho, 3,600. These now comprise 1,250 households and 5,671 individuals. Males are 2,788, females are 2,883, and children are 3,385,” Mudavadi said.
