How do you know that the money will actually be used the way it’s supposed to be used?
We have a good friend who is helping us, Nianjui Muigai, who has lived in Tucson for more than 30 years, but was born in Kenya. He travels home sometimes, and still has many friends there. He may be there for the actual transaction, and is researching the best way to make sure they will have a real title to the land. We may need a Kenyan law firm to help us as well.
Are they allowed to own land in Kenya even though they aren’t Kenyan?
The short answer is yes, but…it is a little more complicated than just that…
The Kenyan constitution makes it so that any individual can buy and own land, but the constitution also says that non citizens can only have a lease of 99 years or less. Once Adhil and her family have been in Kenya (not in the refugee camp) for at least 7 years they can apply for citizenship.
How will this make them more self sufficient? Do they even know how to farm? Is one acre enough?
They do know about raising livestock for sure, and how to grow sorghum and squash and greens. They are used to hard work, and the land she is trying to acquire is very fertile, unlike the land in Kakuma Refugee Camp. All of her life Adhil has been near farming, and her mother raisesd some crops. However, they probably won’t be able to fulfill all of their needs, but living outside of the refugee camp they will have better access to an economy.
Tell me more about how Adhil will make a living when she leaves the refugee camp?
Adhil has worked as a radio reporter, and she might do that again. Also while Adhil was in Kakuma she studied and became a general medical assistant, so she can work in a clinic or hospital. She will need a work permit, and South Sudanese citizens are exempt from the fees for the work permit, at least, and she thinks she will be able to get it, since the Kenya government says they are expediting work permits for skilled workers from nearby countries.
How can I help?
Please donate! And tell anyone else about the project. And if you know anything about buying land in Kenya, or about refugee resettlement in Kenya, please tell us.
Tell me more about the Dinka.
The Dinka are a tribe of about 4.5 million people in South Sudan. They are cow herders and cattle is a big part of their culture.
They are from the land between the White Nile and the Blue Nile. They have been a tribe for about 5000 years or more, and they have old traditions. Unfortunately, many decades of war, especially recently, is hurting them a lot, and many people have died.