Kakuma (Kenya) : refugees demonstrated to demand access to rations and drinking water

During the last weekend, several dozen refugees demonstrated at the UNHCR office. They are demanding the supply of drinking water while the camp has just spent more than a month without almost a drop of this vital commodity. Occupants of the Kakuma camp are also facing a major lack of food rations.
INFO SOS Médias Burundi
This is an impromptu march that brought together all the communities of this camp and those of its extension of Kalobeyei.
According to refugees, nothing was prepared in advance, but a small fight that occurred over a tap that still had a few drops of water was enough to set the entire camp ablaze.
« We gathered for a moment and headed towards the urban center where there are several offices, including that of the UNHCR and the president of the camp, » said a Burundian refugee who participated in the march that began on Friday, February 28.
His compatriot appreciates how refugees quickly gathered to make placards expressing their grievances.
« Unbelievable! In a fraction of a second, about ten placards were ready-made with writings demanding drinking water as well as an increase in the monthly ration, without mentioning the problem of crime that is resurfacing, » said another Burundian refugee who has been living in Kakuma for several years.
Three leaders who should deliver the message were also chosen from among the community leaders.
« They demanded that the UNHCR fully ensure our protection by providing us with everything that the law allows us, namely well-being, security, food, drinking water, freedom, socio-economic development, … », added refugees who took part in the demonstration.
But, they insisted on the lack of drinking water that has lasted for more than a month.
« Let them repatriate us if they are no longer able to take care of us », chanted the demonstrators.
The UNHCR seemed to calm the situation and promised that these grievances will be resolved shortly.
The UNHCR official explained that the lack of water is due to the rehabilitation of the water distribution pipes in the camp. He stressed that this work is almost finished.
Even if the situation has become calm again, refugees fear that it will not evolve in their interest.
« We are used to their way of calming our anger with broken promises, » they whisper, adding that such peaceful actions could be considered again.
Kakuma camp hosts more than 200,000 refugees including more than 25,000 Burundians.
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Refugees demonstrate to demand access to rations and drinking water in Kakuma, February 28, 2025 (SOS Médias Burundi)