Abstract

This article critically explores the compounded vulnerabilities faced by Congolese refugees in Umoja, Nairobi, within an urban framework of fluctuating and often restrictive refugee policies. Forced displacement, particularly from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has intensified these refugees’ precarious conditions due to systemic discrimination, limited access to essential services, and the inconsistent enforcement of protections. Examining the intersection of Kenya’s regulatory environment and the broader socio-political heritage of the DRC reveals how urban Congolese refugees in Umoja area in Nairobi confront heightened risks, including socio-economic marginalization and legal challenges. The analysis highlights that these vulnerabilities are not isolated issues but are deepened by historical legacies and evolving policy dynamics that collectively impact refugee experiences in Kenya.

Keywords: Congolese refugees, Urban refugees, Nairobi refugees, Refugee policy in Kenya, Legal precarity of refugees, Socioeconomic marginalization, Integration challenges