Two Decades of Temporary Solutions

When Dadaab first opened in 1991, it was meant to provide temporary shelter for 90,000 people. Today the camp is quickly approaching half a million Refugees. Located in the North Eastern Province of Kenya it is the largest refugee camp in the world. In July 2011 it was reported that more than 1,000 people were arriving per day and in dire need of assistance. The influx of refugees, due to lack of rains and continued conflict in Somalia has placed great strain on the camps' resources. Dadaab is comprised of three chronically overcrowded camps: Ifo, Hagadera and Dagahaley. A fourth camp, Ifo II, lies empty despite an announcement by Kenya's Prime Minister Raila Odinga of its opening. Kenya has dragged it's feet for the past two years, citing insecurity concerns. With three generations of refugees, and over 6,000 grandchildren of the original arrivals in 91’, there is no sign that anyone will leave anytime soon.