UNHCR Lauds NCCK on Refugee Work, Commits to Enhanced Partnership

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) will continue partnering with the National Council of Churches of Kenya aimed at improving the living condition of refugees in the country. This is according to Honorine Sommet-Lange, the newly appointed UNHCR Head of Sub-Office, Kakuma.  Lange who lauded the Council for her work in Kakuma Refugee Camp, said that UNHCR was happy to work with NCCK. She added that the Commission’s goal was to strengthen the capacity of African NGOs to enable them perform in UNHCR operations worldwide. She spoke in her Kakuma office during a courtesy call by NCCK General Secretary Reverend Canon Peter Karanja. “We appreciate your visit. It shows that you are committed to work with us. We are happy to work with NCCK,” said Lange.

While congratulating her on the appointment, Canon Karanja appraised Lange on the work of the Council in Kakuma and assured her of the Council’s commitment to the process. He said: “Our support is total. We appreciate this partnership with UNHCR and the confidence you have in us. Our commitment at our headquarters is to engage more rigorously and support where we can. We will be very pleased if you showed us areas of advancing our capacity. We are eager to play in a global engagement of UNHCR.”

He was accompanied by NCCK Camp Manager Raphael Nyabala, Senior Programmes Officer in charge of Capacity Building for Membership Grace Muthungu and Internal Auditor Gilbert Wanjohi.

Nyabala echoed Canon Karanja’s sentiments saying that the Council will continue working for the wellbeing of persons of concern.

The Council has partnered with UNHCR in Kakuma camp for many years, especially on refugees’ shelter.