Migrant’s Access to Basic Services and Social Cohesion: Case Study of Kakuma Refugee Camp

Social inclusion and cohesion between migrants and the host community remains a mirage in many parts of the world. This is despite the commitment by various states and non-state actors to address this malady. The situation is usually exacerbated when migrants and/or local community are unable to access basic services. This study therefore examines how the (in-) accessibility of basic social services by immigrants affects social inclusion and national cohesion. The central argument advanced in this article is that access and/or failure to access basic social services by immigrants and/or host community significantly affects social inclusion and subsequently national cohesion. The primary data used to corroborate the secondary sources was obtained through interviews with experts. Opinions from the experts, among them, government officials, members of staff working with humanitarian agencies in the refugee camp, refugees and some members of host community were sought. Qualitatively, data was analyzed by triangulation of the forms of data collected, that is, the narratives, content and archival analysis for primary and secondary sources. The study depicts that social inclusion remains a challenge whether refugees have more or less access to basic social services than the host community. This is because social inclusivity or lack of it is due to the feeling of relative deprivation experienced when either group is disadvantaged. Based on the findings of this study, social inclusion could be enhanced by promoting equitable distribution of social services, opportunities and resources. Since humanitarian agencies focuses mainly on the refugees, the host government ought to invest in local population. Creating forums for inter-group dialogue among refugees and host community could also play a significant role in enhancing social inclusivity and cohesion.