Patience urged as Dadaab, Fafi leaders push to reverse layoffs

Mohamed Abdi Farah, the MCA for Dadaab, speaking to the press /STEPHEN ASTARIKO.

Garissa county commissioner Mohamed Mwabudzo speaks to the press /STEPHEN ASTARIKO.

Abdikheir Dubow, an aspirant for the Dadaab parliamentary seat /STEPHEN ASTARIKO.

Leaders from Dadaab and Fafi subcounties met with officials from the Directorate of Refugee Services on Monday to address the recent layoff of 20 host-community staff members.

The meeting, chaired by Garissa county commissioner Mohamed Mwabudzo, brought together local political leaders and senior government officials.

He urged calm, noting that efforts are underway to resolve the issue.

“We appeal to all those affected and the community at large to remain patient as we look into this matter and work towards a possible solution,” Mwabudzo said after the closed-door session.

He said global funding cuts have strained governments and NGOs.

Acting Commissioner for Refugee Affairs Mercy Mwacharo said 20 staff members were affected.

She stressed the department’s commitment to continued dialogue and collaboration with national and county leaders.

“We have agreed that this meeting is just one of many as we move forward. The goal is to strengthen relationships between the national and county governments, as well as between refugees and the host community,” Mwacharo said.

Dadaab MCA and majority leader Mohamed Farah expressed optimism that a solution would be found.

He questioned why junior staff from the host community were disproportionately affected, emphasising their decades-long support for refugee operations under challenging conditions.

“Our meeting today is important because it will help find a solution to a problem affecting many constituents. We ask our people to remain patient as we continue pushing for the reinstatement of those who were sacked,” Farah said.

Aspirant for the Dadaab parliamentary seat Abdikheir Dubow called for fair treatment of the dismissed staff, arguing the decision failed to consider their plight.

“Many of them have served diligently and depend on these jobs to support their families. All we want is fairness,” he said.

Jamal Mohamed, county chief officer for donors and partners, urged the national government to engage stakeholders to support the Directorate of Refugee Services amid shifting global priorities.

“We know that globally times are hard and operations are being downsized. It is high time we come up with our own solutions to this problem,” he said.

The meeting comes amid growing concern over funding cuts affecting refugee operations.

Last May, hundreds of refugees from Dagahaley, Hagadera, Ifo and Ifo 2 camps staged peaceful demonstrations at Ifo 2, calling on the international community to restore life-saving humanitarian aid, warning that cuts had left thousands struggling to access essential services including food, water, education and healthcare.