Kenya's refugee and asylum seeker population has increased steadily over the past five years, rising from 540,068 in 2021 to 835,793 in 2025, according to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) Economic Survey 2026.
The survey, released on May 2, 2026, shows that the number grew by 1.4% in 2024, reaching 823,932 by the end of that year. The increase reflects ongoing displacement in the region, particularly from Somalia, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Most refugees in Kenya live in camps such as Dadaab and Kakuma, with a smaller number residing in urban areas like Nairobi. The government, in collaboration with UNHCR, continues to provide protection and assistance, though resources remain strained.
The KNBS report highlights that the refugee population now accounts for about 1.6% of Kenya's total population, which is estimated at 54 million. The trend underscores the need for sustainable solutions, including voluntary repatriation, local integration, and resettlement.
