Professor Mwesiga Mbaregu from Tanzania once argued that peace can never be achieved unless one identifies those who benefit from and drive chaos. The ongoing stalemate on the fate of 600,000 refugees based in Kenya has brought this argument to the fore. It is possible that Kenya is watching keenly how Europe is managing its refugee crisis and feels left out for holding onto its city of refugees in the arid north.

According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, it is important that international asylum obligations prevail and be properly supported by Kenya. On its part, Kenya cites security challenges and a drain on its resources.

It is no secret that both local and international economic and political interests overshadow the refugee problem. However, for a sustainable solution, it is important that the causes of the refugee crisis be addressed. Conflict, marginalisation, geopolitics, and poverty have their roots in the political and economic systems of most African countries. As long as these root causes exist, the refugee crisis will never end. Kenya should push harder to be heard on the challenges caused by hosting refugees but spare a moment not to traumatize the unfortunate victims of conflict.