The Legal Status of Refugees and Asylum Seekers in East Africa: A Mixed Methods Inquiry

Recent waves of refugees and asylum seekers have significantly impacted East African countries, including Kenya, necessitating a comprehensive review of their legal status. A mixed methods approach combining semi-structured interviews with legal experts, policy makers, and community leaders with a national survey of refugee camps. Data was analysed using thematic coding for qualitative insights and statistical testing for quantifiable results. The findings indicate that while Kenya has robust legal protections in place, significant gaps remain in implementation, particularly concerning access to education and healthcare for refugees. This study highlights the need for enhanced enforcement mechanisms and policy alignment between national laws and international treaties to ensure equitable treatment of refugees and asylum seekers. The government should prioritise legal reforms and allocate resources towards implementing existing protections. Enhanced collaboration with non-governmental organizations is also recommended.