Thesis:

The impact of double registration on Kenyan Somali nationals in Garissa County

The phenomenon of double registration has engendered a protracted legal and humanitarian crisis for Kenyan Somalis, whose contested citizenship status reflects systemic ambiguities in nationality governance. Originating in the aftermath of Somalia’s state collapse in 1991, mass displacement prompted survival strategies that inadvertently conflated refugee and citizen identities within Kenya’s administrative frameworks. Contemporary estimates indicate that approximately 40,000 individuals remain ensnared in systemic bureaucratic inefficiencies, wherein delayed deregistration from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) registry obstructs formal recognition of their Kenyan nationality. This institutional limbo deprives affected populations of foundational rights—including national identification documents, basic services, and freedom of movement —exacerbating cycles of marginalization, structural discrimination, and intergenerational poverty. This study aimed to analyze the challenges of double registration among Kenyan Somalis in Garissa County, focusing on three specific objectives: investigating the factors contributing to double registration in Africa, establishing its consequences for Kenyan Somalis in Garissa, and evaluating the effectiveness of existing registration systems in distinguishing between Kenyan Somalis and refugees. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study utilized questionnaires, interviews, and focus groups, with data collected from 254 purposively selected respondents in Dadaab and Fafi Sub-Counties. The data were analyzed, revealing a predominantly male respondent pool (70.9% in Dadaab and 74.8% in Fafi), with most participants aged 26-35. Despite existing legal frameworks, including national laws, regional charters, and United Nations (UN) conventions, persistent challenges such as coordination gaps, limited resources, and inadequate verification methods hinder effective registration. The study recommends establishing a robust coordination mechanism between UNHCR and Kenya’s national registration systems to ensure seamless data integration and reduce discrepancies. The significance of this study lies in its contribution to addressing the injustices faced by Kenyan Somalis, promoting social equity, and informing policy reforms to enhance registration systems. By aligning international and national frameworks, this research underscores the importance of inclusive governance and the protection of citizenship rights in fostering stability and development in marginalized communities.