NAIROBI, Kenya Jun 20 – Immigration Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang says the country’s refugee population has risen to 852,000.He made the remarks during the World Refugee Day 2026 celebrations held in Nairobi.Kipsang noted that this year’s commemoration comes at a challenging time, with increasing refugee numbers but declining resources available to support humanitarian operations.The event was held under the global theme “Until Everyone is Safe.”The Principal Secretary reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening protection, inclusion, and long-term solutions for both refugees and host communities.Central to this approach is the Shirika Plan—Kenya’s 943 million dollar, 11-year strategy running from 2025 to 2036.The plan aims to transform refugee camps into integrated municipalities, moving away from long-term aid dependency.It focuses on promoting socioeconomic inclusion in areas such as Garissa, Turkana, and selected urban centres where many refugees and host communities live side by side.Officials say the initiative will expand access to financial services, livelihoods, and basic opportunities, with the goal of improving self-reliance and shared development.