| dc.description.abstract | The purpose of this study is to examine the issues associated with the increased Somali
migrations to Nairobi. Since the 1990s, following the fall of Siyad Barre, Somalia has
never known peace. Consequently, the country became a source of refugees to many
countries of the world. Kenya became a home to many of the fleeing Somalis. Many
Somali refugees in Europe and America and elsewhere in the world go to Kenya even
after they have become residents or naturalized citizens of the host countries. While one
would expect them to stay in abroad where life is seemingly easier, they are often pulled
to what they refer to “home” near home - Kenya. The study is set to investigate the
factors that attract many Somalis to Kenya as well as their impact on the Kenyan society.
To unearth the factors that pulled the Somali migrants to Kenya and Nairobi in particular,
the study utilized both primary and secondary sources. In addition, the study was based
on pull and push theoretical frame work to underscore the push and pull factors that
contributed to the Somalis to come to Kenya even after they had established themselves
in other more developed countries in the world. In order to understand why the Somalis
chose Kenya as their residence of choice this study also used the integration theory to
explain the social connections that helped in the bringing together the Somalis in Kenya
and those flocking the country from abroad.
The study established that the protracted Somali civil war, the rise of Islamic extremism,
terrorism and socio-economic hardship in Somalia are among the key push factors that
forced the Somalis out of their h to find refuge in the neighboring countries as well as
abroad.
While in diaspora, Somalis have been pulled to Kenya, which they refer as “home” near
home by several factors. Among them is the kinship connection, religious connection,
availability of good institutions such as schools, mosques and hospitals, welfare facilities,
considerable security and safety and geographical closeness to Somalia.
Somalis’ influx into Kenya, despite causing strain on Kenyan resources and amenities,
and obviously causing security concerns to Kenya, has also contributed to the socialeconomic
development of the country. The resource transfers through remittances from
immigrants and refugees have changed the map of Nairobi in significant ways. Trade and
other economic activities in Nairobi have greatly been influenced by the Somali presence.
Kenya has provided environments to cultural exchange, and the Somalis have no doubt
contributed to the multicultural diversity of Kenya. Due to social, economic and political
considerations, Kenya has become a “Home” near Home for many Somalis living out of
Somalia. | en |
