Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction
In May 2024, heavy rains in Kenya triggered severe flooding, affecting the communities in Dadaab refugee complex and displacing over 20,000 people, according to UNHCR. The floods disrupted schooling, destroyed latrines and homes, blocked roads, and heightened the risk of disease outbreaks. The high population density, combined with limited infrastructure and resources make the complex and its inhabitants highly vulnerable to climate-related disasters.
The Dadaab refugee complex, situated in Garissa County, has been continuously expanding since its creation in 1991. Home to more than 400,000 people, the three camps that make up the complex welcome victims of conflict and persecution but also climate shocks.
Despite disasters and displacement being deeply interconnected, and refugees facing recurring disasters, DRR has often been an afterthought in humanitarian responses.
“Historically, our focus has been on immediate humanitarian response-providing shelter, food, and protection for displaced populations. DRR was often seen as a secondary priority in the urgency of crisis response. However, with the increasing frequency and intensity of climate-related disasters, we can no longer afford to address displacement and disasters separately. We now recognize that resilience must be built from the outset. Integrating DRR into our work is critical to ensure that communities we serve are not perpetually vulnerable to the next disaster.” Mr William Ejalu, Head of UNHCR Dadaab sub-office.
As these displacements become more protracted, the Government of Kenya, supported by humanitarian and development partners, launched the Shirika plan. It aims to transition refugee camps into integrated municipalities, promoting durable solutions to displacement that strengthen resilience and promote inclusion. This municipalization process constitutes a critical opportunity to embed disaster risk reduction (DRR) into broader humanitarian and development strategies.
Recognizing this window of opportunity, the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and the United Nations University (UNU) conducted a scoping mission to Dadaab in January 2025, as part of project accelerating disaster risk reduction in humanitarian action supported by the Government of Germany. The mission assessed disaster risks and identified the best ways to leverage the Early Warnings for All (EW4All) and Making Cities Resilient 2030 initiatives to support the integration of DRR in the refugee complex and in the establishment of the new municipalities.
“The future of disaster risk reduction in refugee settings hinges on strong partnerships, and innovative solutions. As displacement becomes increasingly protracted and climate risks intensify, we must act now to integrate refugees into national resilience strategies. This is not just about reducing risks-it’s about safeguarding lives, protecting livelihoods, and ensuring that no one, regardless of their status, is left behind.” Mr. Huw Beynon, Deputy Chief, UNDRR Regional Office for Africa
In this context, there is an opportunity to reduce disaster risk and build resilience in Dadaab. To support this, UNDRR and UNU proposed four areas of collaboration including improving disaster risk governance; strengthening early warning and early action; enhancing data and knowledge management and promoting community-led resilience.
“Refugees should not be the last to know when disaster strikes. They need to be integrated into national early warning systems just as any other resident. Integrating refugees into national disaster preparedness systems is not just a matter of equity but also of efficiency. When everyone receives early warnings, response times improve, and lives are saved.” Mr Vitalis Ogur, Assistant County Commissioner, Dadaab Subcounty
This initiative will serve as a model for DRR in refugee-hosting municipalities worldwide, demonstrating that even in displacement settings, resilience is possible.
“Dadaab is no longer just a refugee camp-it is evolving into a municipality. This means we must work with all stakeholders and integrate disaster risk in everything we do, to ensure that we develop a resilient sustainable municipality.” Mr Emma Mohammed, Municipal Manager, Dadaab Municipality,
By leveraging the strengths of EW4All, MCR2030, and the municipalization process, stakeholders can move beyond short-term humanitarian responses to build long-term resilience for both refugees and host communities.