Influence Of Refugees On The Lifestyle Of The Somali Community In Dadaab District Of Garissa County, Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to look into the influence of the refugees on the lifestyle of the local community in Dadaab. Lots of focus was on the on the number of refugee in Dadaab refugee camps to that of the local community in terms of population. An analysis into how the frequency of the refugee arrival has affected the lifestyle of the local community in terms of demographic distribution and their origin and how the socio-economic environment has changed since the camps were set up in the area were also of great concern. Through observation schedules and interviews with all the stakeholders in the management of refugee issues, all the above outlined objectives were taken care of. The establishment of the five Dadaab refugee camps was presented to the host Somali community drastic changes that have influenced their lifestyle. The study helped in providing proposal for addressing the problems in the lifestyle of the local community for better improvements in terms of services and cordial relationships. The study employed a descriptive survey design which involved descriptive methods. Simple random sampling technique was used to select the respondents. Both primary and secondary of data collection was used. Primary data was collected using questionnaire survey and in-depth interview. Both face validity and content validity was checked and a necessary adjustment of the instrument was made to enhance validity. The researcher obtained an introduction letter from the University of Nairobi College to obtain a research permit from the national council for science and technology for data collection. Qualitative data was analyzed qualitatively using content analysis based on analysis of meanings and implications emanating from respondents information and documented data. The study established that the lifestyle of local communities in Dadaab was influenced negatively by refugees in Humanitarian Agency camps. Discrimination in accessing basic needs, education, and health care services influenced their daily lifestyle since Agencies established camps in Dadaab. Beneficiaries of United Nations Agencies were refugees but not the local community. The study recommended that the Government in collaboration with Humanitarian Agencies should establish appropriate measures to give long term solutions to challenges experienced by local communities like expanding financial budgets in education sponsorships of the local community and introducing financial incentives to support small scale enterprises of both the local communities and refugees thus cohesiveness of the two parties.