Kenya hosts nearly 600,000 refugees and asylum seekers, with 55% originating from Somalia. Most refugees reside in two camp complexes while an estimated 100,000 reside in urban areas. (UNHCR,2022) Although many refugees are economically successful and thriving in the city, most struggle to integrate with difficulties in accessing stable livelihoods, health, and education due to lack of documentation and discrimination toward refugees.
This study examined healthcare worker (HCW) and refugee perceptions on integrated health service provision for refugees in Nairobi, Kenya. The research found that not all frontline HCWs fully acknowledge the structural marginalisation of refugees, which lead to poor health conditions and low uptake in health services.
We recommend sensitisation of HCWs to specific needs and perspectives of refugees; strengthen and share information of care referral networks; make adjustments for access to National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) for refugees; and integrate refugees to county health plans.
