Widespread violence followed the announcement on 30 December 2007 that incumbent Mwai Kibaki had narrowly won a contested presidential election against Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga. Rioting and looting broke out in cities and towns, particularly in the west of the country and in and around Nairobi; political discontent was characterized by an ethnic dimension, signaling a serious protection crisis and resulting in the displacement of approximately 500,000 people. Many moved to their ethnic homelands for security, despite the fact that they may not have had support structures in those areas whilst others moved to peri-urban slums. In response to this massive displacement, 296 camps were established by the Kenyan Red Cross Society (KRCS) to provide shelter, food and social services to the displaced.
As lDPs leave camps, transit camps have emerged, particularly in the farming areas of Uasin Gishu, Trans Nzoia, Kwanza and Molo districts. These camps are facilitating returnees¹ reconciliation with communities in some areas of return whilst providing increased security for returnees and facilitating their access to farms so they can cultivate their land and rebuild their houses. Many of the transit camps, however, lack basic services and the scattered nature of these camps is presenting an obstacle to service provision. The permanence of the transit camps is unclear, and will depend on several factors, including: the pace at which houses can be rebuilt; whether communities can reconcile and perceptions of security can be enhanced in communities of return; and the availability of basic services at the transit camp locations.
Click to view the Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement