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P012-01 Kakuma – Kalobeyei (formerly UNHCR CAMP KAKUMA)

Table of contents

1. CAMP CONSTITUTION (BASIC LAW)

(Simple, clear, implementable – based on UNHCR standards + Kenyan law)

preamble

We, the residents of the Kakuma and Kalobeyei refugee camps, consisting of many ethnic groups and countries of origin, create this camp constitution to ensure peace, dignity, self-determination, cooperation and fair representation for all people in the camp.
We recognise the laws of Kenya, the fundamental principles of the United Nations, and commit ourselves to non-violence, tolerance and mutual respect.

Article 1 – Legal framework

  1. The camp constitution applies to all residents, organisations and structures in the camp.
  2. It does not take precedence over Kenyan law or UNHCR rules, but rather supplements them.
  3. All camp bodies act transparently and are accountable.

Article 2 – Fundamental rights

Every person in the camp has the right to:

  1. Protection from violence and discrimination
  2. Access to food, water, and medical care
  3. Freedom of religion
  4. Freedom of expression, as long as it does not incite violence
  5. Political participation within the camp
  6. Education and further development
  7. Fair representation regardless of ethnicity, gender, religion, or origin

Article 3 – Obligations of all residents

  1. Respect for other ethnic groups and communities
  2. Peaceful behaviour
  3. Participation in community decisions
  4. Rejection of corruption, clan favouritism and intimidation
  5. Support for weaker groups in the camp

Article 4 – Ethnic balance

  1. All ethnic groups receive fair representation in camp bodies.
  2. Conflicts are handled by a neutral mediation committee.
  3. No clan or ethnic group may monopolise power.

Article 5 – Non-violence and safety

  1. Any violence, threats, intimidation or bribery will be punished.
  2. Security issues will be clarified in consultation with UNHCR and Kenyan authorities.

Article 6 – Camp Parliament (Legislative)

  1. The Parliament consists of democratically elected representatives from all zones and ethnic groups.
  2. Responsibilities:
    • Deciding on rules for the camp
    • Setting projects, budgets and priorities
    • Overseeing the Cabinet
  3. Meeting at least once a month.

Article 7 – Camp Cabinet (Executive)

  1. Elected by Parliament.
  2. Consists of the following ministries:
    • Health
    • Education
    • Water & Infrastructure
    • Security & Conflict Resolution
    • Economy & Employment
    • Women & Youth
    • Culture & Ethnicities
  3. Reports to Parliament on a monthly basis.

Article 8 – Ethnic Council

  1. Each significant ethnic group elects two representatives (m/f).
  2. Tasks:
    • Early warning system for tensions
    • Conflict resolution
    • Protection of minorities
    • Advising parliament and cabinet
  3. Decisions are made by consensus or a two-thirds majority.

Article 9 – Elections

  1. Every person aged 16 and over is eligible to vote.
  2. Elections are conducted in secret, without intimidation.
  3. Independent election observers (e.g. NADEUM or local NGOs) are permitted.
  4. Bribery invalidates the election.

Article 10 – Anti-corruption rules

  1. Zero tolerance for bribery, nepotism or abuse of power.
  2. An independent Integrity Office will be established.
  3. Each term of office is limited:
    • Parliament: 2 years
    • Cabinet: 2 years
    • Ethnic Council: 1 year
  4. Open budget transparency: All finances will be publicly displayed.
  5. Whistleblower protection guaranteed.

Article 11 – Implementation and transition

  1. The camp constitution shall come into force as soon as 60% of the ethnic groups accept it.
  2. The UNHCR and Kenyan authorities shall be informed and asked to cooperate.
  3. The first elections shall be held within 90 days.

2. ETHNIC COUNCIL – DETAILED STRUCTURE

Composition

  • Congolese (largest group): 4 representatives
  • Sudanese: 2
  • South Sudanese: 2
  • Somalis: 2
  • Eritreans: 2
  • Other smaller groups: 1 seat shared (rotating representative)

tasks

  1. Conflict prevention and mediation
  2. Monitoring ethnic balance
  3. Early warning system for violence, tensions, inequalities
  4. Representation of cultural rights (public holidays, traditions)
  5. Advising Parliament on sensitive issues

3. PARLIAMENT (CAMP ASSEMBLY)

Composition

  • Seats proportional to the number of residents in each zone
  • UNHCR zones elect 5–10 representatives each
  • At least 40% women
  • Youth quota: 20% under 25 years of age

tasks

  • Legislation
  • Budget control
  • Appointment and dismissal of the cabinet
  • Development of camp projects (water, hygiene, jobs, sport, education)

4. CABINET (CAMP GOVERNMENT)

The seven ministries

  1. Health – clinics, hygiene, preventive care
  2. Education – schools, literacy, youth programmes
  3. Water & infrastructure – roads, electricity, camp logistics
  4. Security & Mediation – Violence prevention, ethnic council coordination
  5. Economy & Jobs – Small businesses, training
  6. Women & Youth – Protection, support, empowerment
  7. Culture & Ethnic Groups – Traditions, festivals, understanding

5. ELECTION RULES

  • Secret ballot
  • 1 person = 1 vote
  • No clan voting blocks allowed
  • Election campaign: no gifts, no money, no threats
  • All candidates must sign a code of ethics
  • Election monitoring allowed

6. Anti-corruption mechanisms

Integrity Office (IO)

    • Independent team of five people
    • 50% women
    • 50% non-politicians
    • May receive complaints anonymously
    • Every meeting is publicly documented

    Annual Transparency Report

Consequences of violations:

  • Removal from office
  • Ban on future office (3–5 years)
  • Report to UNHCR & Kenyan authorities

7. MOTIVATION CONCEPT FOR ALL ETHNIC GROUPS

Objective:

People should realise that self-government means control over their lives, not a loss of UN support.

The 6 key messages (addressed to all ethnic groups)

1. ‘Together we are stronger than all individual tribes.’

Explanation:
Only when many people join forces will the UN and the Kenyan government take the camp population seriously.

2. ‘No one loses their chance of resettlement.’

Self-organisation does not jeopardise resettlement.

On the contrary: well-organised individuals are viewed more positively.

3. ‘Strong administration helps combat injustice.’

Clear rules result in:

  • less corruption
  • less favouritism towards certain groups
  • fair distribution of aid
  • less violence

4. ‘Co-determination means respect.’

People of all ethnicities feel heard. This reduces envy and tension.

5. ‘Self-government is a path to dignity.’

Many residents have felt powerless for years.
A small political structure is restoring their dignity.

6. ‘The camp can become a model for peace in Africa.’

Kakuma/Kalobeyei could be the first camp in the world with:

  • an ethnic council
  • democratic elections
  • an anti-corruption system
  • a “mini-government”
  • genuine success stories

That’s motivating.

8. EASY-TO-UNDERSTAND VERSION FOR CAMP RESIDENTS

⭐ ALL OF US IN THE CAMP – ONE TEAM

We are many people from many countries.
We want peace.
We want respect.
We want a better future.
To achieve this, we need:

✅ An ethnic council

Every ethnic group has representatives.
No one will be forgotten.

✅ A parliament

Each camp zone elects people to speak on its behalf.

✅ A cabinet (government)

People who help:

  • Health
  • Education
  • Water
  • Jobs
  • Women & Youth
  • Security
  • Culture

✅ Clear rules

No corruption.
No violence.
No clan power games.

✅ Elections

Everyone aged 16 and over can vote.
Secretly.
Without threats.

⭐ WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?

    • More justice
    • Less conflict
    • Better assistance
    • Better future opportunities
    • More respect for all ethnic groups
    •  

    ⭐ We leave no one behind.

    ⭐ We do this together.

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