European Union announces Sh5.4 b for repatriation of Somali refugees

Stefano Dejak, Head of Delegation of the European Union to Kenya meeting DP William Ruto in Nairobi

NAIROBI, KENYA: European Union has announced Sh5.4 billion (50 million Euros) for the repatriation of Somali refugees from the Dadaab camp.

Head of delegation of the European Union to Kenya Stefano Dejak said the fund will be made available soon.

He was responding to Deputy President William Ruto who had asked for an increase in financial assistance from E.U in the repatriation of refugees from Dadaab back to Somalia saying it was prudent on both political and humanitarian grounds. 

 “We have one million people who have been living in refugee camps in Kenya for decades and its only human to have them repatriated in the spirit of the tripartite agreement signed between Kenya, Somalia and the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR),” said Mr. Ruto. 

In response, Mr. Dejak said the E.U had set aside 50 million Euros to be used in the repatriation of Somali refugees   from Dadaab adding that the funds would soon be made available. 

On infrastructure, Ambassador Dejak said the E.U was financing the building of Eldoret-Malaba road to the tune of Sh 81 million Euros. 

“We are also going to invest millions of Euros in the Kitale-Lodwar-Nadabal road that links Kenya to South Sudan to open regional trade,” he added. 

Later Mr. Ruto met the Australian High Commissioner to Kenya Mr. John Feakes whom he told Kenya could benefit from Australia’s expertise in Agriculture especially in dry land farming and in mining. 

The DP noted that there were a lot of similarities between Kenya and Australia saying many Kenyans were studying in Australian universities because of the similarities in their education system.  

The High Commissioner noted that Australia and Kenya were also cooperating in matters security adding they will continue giving Kenyan security personnel training in Australia. 

“We are also looking forward to the day when we shall have direct flights between Kenya and Australia to ease movement of people and enhance business between our two countries,” he added.