The rights commission urges urgent food, shelter and medical support for people fleeing unrest and Kenyan communities hosting them.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has issued a Moyale aid appeal after approximately 40,000 people reportedly fled unrest in Ethiopia. The commission urged the government and humanitarian agencies to provide urgent assistance to those seeking safety in Kenya.
In its October 27, 2026 statement, KNCHR warned that delays could expose thousands to avoidable suffering. It said arrivals were straining food supplies, clean water, shelter, sanitation and healthcare, alongside resources in host communities.
Moyale aid appeal highlights shelter and health needs
According to KNCHR, more than 15,000 people were reportedly staying in eight temporary shelters. Meanwhile, over 20,000 others were staying with relatives and friends.
Reported reception sites include St Mary’s Catholic Church, Harhosha Secondary School, Manyatta Burji, Sessi and Lanzi Mosque Hospital. The commission reported calm on both sides of the border on the morning of October 27.
However, rainfall in Moyale had increased concerns about exposure, poor sanitation and possible communicable disease outbreaks. KNCHR also cited reports that two women had given birth at Manyatta and two others at Bitiye.
Those births underscored the need for maternal and newborn healthcare, emergency treatment and postnatal support. The commission therefore urged the Ministry of Health and Marsabit County Government to deploy medical teams and supplies.
It called for priority attention to safe deliveries, antenatal and postnatal care, immunisation, nutrition and acute illnesses. It also sought stronger disease surveillance, safe water and proper waste disposal.
Rights protections must guide border response
KNCHR stressed that Kenya must protect everyone within its jurisdiction, regardless of nationality, ethnicity or immigration status. It cited constitutional guarantees covering dignity, life, equality, security and access to essential services.
The commission also emphasised that Article 43(2) prohibits denial of emergency medical treatment. On refugee protection, it called for humane, lawful reception, registration and screening under the Refugees Act, 2021, and Kenya’s international obligations.
In addition, KNCHR urged authorities to uphold non-refoulement, which bars returns to places where people face persecution or serious harm. Border security measures, it said, must not block access to humanitarian assistance and protection.
Coordinated support for arrivals and host communities
KNCHR asked disaster management agencies to assess needs quickly and coordinate food, water, shelter and sanitation support. It also urged UNHCR, IOM, the Kenya Red Cross and other partners to mobilise emergency resources.
The response should include child protection and psychosocial support, alongside specialised assistance for people facing additional risks. These include women and girls, separated children, persons with disabilities and older people.
Meanwhile, the commission asked local leaders and community organisations to coordinate assistance and prevent stigma and exploitation. It stressed that responders must also address the welfare of Kenyan host communities as pressure on resources grows.
