State given 60 days to deregister Kenyans from refugee database
Published: 23/Jan/2025
Source: The Star (Nairobi)
Double registration occurs when citizens living near refugee camps are erroneously registered as aliens.
by STEPHEN ASTARIKO
In Summary
- Hundreds of Kenyans bear the brunt of barriers to accessing ID cards that should have been removed long ago, she said.
- More than 40,000 people are registered in the UNHCR database, most of whom are young people who were enlisted during their early years.
Garissa High Court has ordered the government to de-register victims of double registration from the refugee database within 60 days.
The refusal by the government to deregister individuals even after being vetted was also unconstitutional and an infringement of constitutional rights, the court further ruled.
The case was filed by Haki na Sheria, a non-governmental organisation based in Garissa.
A vetting committee should be constituted within 60 days, or if already in place, be reactivated to commence screening and vetting process, Justice John Onyiego directed.
The screening and vetting process should commence within six months from the date of delivery of the judgment, upon the expiry of which a report on the progress should be filed in court by the respondents.
Read further: https://www.the-star.co.ke/counties/north-eastern/2025-01-23-state-given-60-days-to-deregister-kenyans-from-refugee-database