Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has assured international organisations and development partners that Kenya is preparing to conduct peaceful elections in 2027. The CS made the assurance on Monday, November 9, 2026, during a high-level meeting in Nairobi involving heads of mission from the Refugee Donor Group, representatives of international organisations and officials from the county governments of Garissa and Turkana.The meeting brought together government representatives and international partners to discuss matters concerning refugee management, security, cooperation and the implementation of government programmes in refugee-hosting communities. Murkomen used the engagement to explain the government's preparations for the forthcoming General Election, emphasising that security arrangements would cover the entire electoral process, including political campaigns, voting, counting, declaration of results and the period after the elections.

According to the CS, the government is strengthening security measures to ensure that Kenyans can participate in the democratic process without fear of violence, intimidation or disruption. His assurance comes as political activities gradually increase ahead of the 2027 General Election, with calls for political leaders, their supporters and other stakeholders to maintain peace and respect the rights of fellow citizens.During the meeting, Murkomen explained that the National Police Service and other security agencies were strengthening their preparedness to address possible security challenges before, during and after the elections.

He noted that maintaining peace would require cooperation between security agencies, political leaders, communities and other stakeholders. The government wants to ensure that political campaigns are conducted in an environment where every Kenyan can freely express their views, attend political gatherings and support candidates without facing threats or intimidation.

The CS emphasised that preparations were not limited to election day. Instead, security planning covers the entire electoral cycle, from the campaign period to the announcement of results and the post-election period.Apart from discussing preparations for the 2027 elections, the meeting focused on Kenya's relationship with international organisations and development partners supporting refugee programmes.

The Refugee Donor Group plays an important role in coordinating international support for refugee protection, humanitarian assistance and development programmes in Kenya.

The participation of representatives from international organisations and the county governments of Garissa and Turkana was significant because the two counties host major refugee settlements and communities that have experienced the social and economic effects of hosting refugees.

Garissa County hosts the Dadaab refugee complex, while Turkana County hosts the Kakuma refugee camp and the Kalobeyei settlement.These areas require continued cooperation between the national government, county administrations, international organisations and humanitarian agencies to ensure that refugees receive essential services while host communities also benefit from development programmes.

The discussions provided an opportunity for the government to engage its international partners on how their financial, technical and humanitarian contributions can support national priorities.

Murkomen thanked the donor group for its continued support, particularly in programmes involving social protection, financial inclusion, access to health insurance and the development of municipal governance structures.The plan seeks to move away from a system that depends heavily on humanitarian assistance towards an approach that promotes economic participation, self-reliance and integration of refugees into host communities.

Under the initiative, refugee camps are expected to gradually develop into integrated settlements with improved infrastructure, economic opportunities and access to essential public services.

The government believes that refugees should have opportunities to contribute to the country's economy while receiving the protection and assistance they need.

The programme also recognises that host communities should not be left behind. Residents of Garissa and Turkana counties have lived alongside refugee populations for many years, creating a need for investments that benefit both groups.

The Shirika Plan therefore provides a framework for addressing the development needs of refugees and host communities through coordinated interventions.Access to mobile money can make it easier for refugees to receive financial assistance, make payments, conduct business transactions and participate in economic activities.

For people living in refugee settlements, access to financial services can reduce dependence on cash-based transactions and improve their ability to manage their finances.

Financial inclusion is also an important component of the government's wider efforts to promote self-reliance.

The government wants refugees to have opportunities to participate in productive economic activities rather than depending entirely on humanitarian assistance.

The inclusion of refugees in financial systems can also support small businesses, entrepreneurship and trade within refugee-hosting communities.Government plans review of refugee management policy

The meeting also came at a time when the government was considering changes to its refugee management framework in response to emerging regional migration and security challenges.

Murkomen announced plans to establish a task force that would review Kenya's refugee management policies and develop recommendations within three months.

According to reports from the meeting, the task force is expected to be established within two weeks.

Its work will examine refugee registration, documentation, asylum procedures, work permits and cross-border movements.

The review is intended to help the government distinguish people entering the country in search of international protection from those seeking employment, education and other economicMore than 36,000 people had reportedly crossed into Moyale within two weeks, placing additional pressure on reception and registration facilities.

The government wants to strengthen border management while ensuring that people who genuinely require international protection continue receiving appropriate assistance.

The proposed review will also examine how refugee employment opportunities can be managed while protecting the interests of Kenyan citizens.

These discussions demonstrate the connection between national security, refugee protection and regional stability.The involvement of Garissa and Turkana county governments in the meeting highlighted the importance of collaboration between the national government and devolved administrations.

Refugee management involves several responsibilities that require coordination across different levels of government.

While the national government handles important aspects of refugee policy, security and immigration, county governments play an important role in delivering local services and implementing development programmes.

Counties hosting refugees often experience increased demand for water, healthcare, education, sanitation, roads and other public facilities.

International support can therefore help strengthen these services and ensure that host communities also benefit from investments made through refugee programmes.International organisations require a stable operating environment to continue supporting communities, implementing programmes and providing essential services.

A peaceful electoral period would help protect ongoing development activities and allow organisations working in refugee-hosting areas to continue serving vulnerable populations.

Kenya has previously emphasised the importance of maintaining peace and national cohesion during election periods.

In October 2026, Murkomen also assured Kenyans that the government had put strategies in place to protect the 2027 General Election from violence.The government wants this cooperation to become increasingly development-oriented, ensuring that refugees and host communities can access opportunities that promote long-term self-reliance.

Murkomen called on development partners and United Nations agencies to align their programmes with the Shirika Plan rather than operating separate initiatives that could duplicate government efforts.

Such coordination is important in ensuring that financial and technical resources address the most pressing needs in refugee-hosting communities.

It can also strengthen accountability and improve the delivery of projects.

The government is expected to continue engaging international partners as it works towards implementing its refugee management policies and strengthening national security.