The KAP-FD has three main components.
The first seeks to fill data and evidence gaps to inform solutions. KAP-FD aims to address data and evidence gaps by producing and analyzing comprehensive socioeconomic panel data for refugees and host communities, supplemented by qualitative research. The panel survey, known as the Kenya Longitudinal Socioeconomic Study of Refugees and Host Communities (K-LSRH), facilitates direct comparisons of socioeconomic conditions between refugees and host communities in both camp and urban areas. It allows for the measurement of rare events and tracks changes over time. The survey delves into less understood themes such as psychosocial wellbeing and trust, aiming to advance knowledge and programming in these areas. The first wave of the panel survey was completed in June 2023, and the second wave began in March 2024.
The survey interviews knowledgeable household members and systematically targets additional women, children, and a randomly selected household member. This approach provides a comprehensive understanding across gender and age profiles within households. Covering 6,000 refugee households and 3,500 national households, the survey is representative of both camp-based and urban refugees, as well as Kenyans living in major refugee-hosting areas. It will be complemented by qualitative research. A new psychometric scale will be piloted to assess factors that help refugees and hosts to overcome challenges and thrive in the face of adversity.
The second is an impact evaluation of interventions to enhance socioeconomic opportunities and wellbeing. The first wave of panel data reveals that psychological distress is relatively common among refugee and host communities in Kenya. For example, 46% of adult refugees across Kakuma Refugee Camp and Kalobeyei Settlement experienced symptoms of depression or anxiety in the two weeks prior to the survey. Household heads, women, and those over the age of 35 are particularly likely to be affected (52%, 49%, and 53% report symptoms, respectively). With these results in mind, the team designed a randomized control trial (RCT) on tailored livelihoods interventions integrating training on psychosocial and emotional health as well as financial literacy and a onetime unconditional cash grant of about US$520.
The third is on capacity building and collaboration. KAP-FD aims to enhance capacity within the national statistical system (NSS) and among stakeholders. Capacity building focuses on institutions like the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) and the Department of Refugee Services (DRS), tailoring workshops and trainings to meet their specific needs. In addition, policy-relevant research and analysis will be fostered, with support to local early-career researchers through facilitated research projects using KAP-FD data. An integrated data and evidence ecosystem will facilitate sharing among stakeholders, including a public dashboard for governments and the global community to access and interact with forced displacement data in Kenya
