The new refugee leaders in Kakuma (from left): Sahara Khalif Jama, Kher Gatluak, Nyawal Gatwech Puot. Photo: LWF/ M. Lukulu
Inauguration on World Refugee Day signals return of community-driven leadership
(LWI) – Refugees and aid organizations in Kakuma Refugee Camp marked World Refugee Day 2025 with a powerful display of solidarity in action. Under the global theme “Solidarity with Refugees,” refugees, host community members, government officials, and humanitarian partners gathered on 18 June to join the inauguration ofnewly elected refugee leaders, signaling the restoration of a vital structure for representation and self-governance within the camp.
Located in northwestern Kenya, Kakuma Refugee Camp and the adjacent Kalobeyei Settlement are among the largest and most established refugee-hosting areas in the country. Kakuma, established in 1992, hosts people from over 20 countries, including South Sudan, Somalia, Ethiopia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Burundi. Kalobeyei, opened in 2016, was designed to strengthen integration with host communities through a development-oriented approach. Together, the two sites are home to over 250,000 people, including refugees and local Turkana residents—living side by side in one of the world’s most protracted displacement settings.
Restoring structured leadership
The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) has played a central role in Kakuma since the camp’s establishment, coordinating humanitarian services in partnership with UNHCR and Kenyan authorities. These include education, water, sanitation, protection, youth engagement, peacebuilding, and livelihoods.
The recent inauguration follows the first democratic refugee leadership elections since 2019, which had been delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, logistical challenges, and funding constraints.
The newly elected leaders have lived in different areas of Kakuma for years and are seen as trusted authorities within their communities. Sahara Khalif Jama, is one of them. She is originally from Somalia and has been a community leader since 2014. Jama was urged by her community to stand for election again. "They trust me,’” she says. Sahara has been helping manage tensions between host and refugee communities and organizing meetings with local chiefs. “I am close to them. They know they can reach me,” she says. While addressing reduced food aid and rising insecurity are on top of her agenda now, the young woman hopes to one day use her leadership skills in a peaceful Somalia.
“Refugee voices matter”
The electoral process was the result of wide collaboration. Election task forces included non-governmental organizations such as LWF, Danish Refugee Council (DRC), FilmAid Kenya, DRS, and UNHCR to support a fair, inclusive, and community-driven process. Refugee volunteers were trained in facilitation, logistics, and mobilization to form electoral committees and guide the process.
The newly elected leaders now take office in one of the most diverse refugee contexts globally. Their responsibilities include resolving disputes and strengthening community cohesion to engaging with humanitarian agencies and ensuring inclusive participation in decision-making.
I decided I would like to serve my people.
Kher Gatluak, refugee leader in Kakuma refugee camp
“I decided I would like to serve my people," says South Sudanese refugee Kher Gatluak, now the leader of Block 8 in Kakuma 1. He had long been called upon to mediate disputes and promote harmony among diverse nationalities. Even before his election, he worked alongside humanitarian agencies to address community needs.
Committed to serve
“I want to help the community. I’ve seen how people suffer, especially single mothers, widows, and unaccompanied children,” says Nyawal Gatwech Puot, who arrived in Kakuma in 2004 with five children. Being one of the few women elected as a zone chairlady, she focuses on the needs of vulnerable women and children especially. Addressing the lack of food and water is most urgent, she says. “Older women have no one. Children without parents are suffering because of hunger. We need dignity in basic things like water and care.”
I want to help the community.
Nyawal Gatwech Puot, refugee leader at Kakuma refugee camp
“Leadership is not about position, it’s about service,” said Carolyne Wainaina, LWf Area Manager for LWF to the new leaders. “Respect the people you represent, foster peace in these multicultural communities, and collaborate closely with government and humanitarian stakeholders to ensure progress.”
