PGP Research Team: Displacement, Localization and Regionalization in Kenya

The research focuses on localization and regionalization in displacement contexts in Kenya. It is framed within the broader contexts of the limitations of conventional top-down approaches in development cooperation and the steady decline in funding. In addition, it offers the opportunity to understand in a formal context how states, through regional bodies such as the East Africa Community (EAC) and Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) cooperate to find solutions to displacement. Local activities also take place through informal channels that are transborder and involve non-state micro and meso level actors such as refugee-led organizations, NGOs, business associations, religious organizations, and women’s trade networks and support groups. Their activities offer the possibility to bridge the gap between national policies and regional displacement dynamics. The research takes a decolonial approach to development cooperation by addressing power asymmetries that impede local leadership and overlook local dynamics that do not fit into dominant paradigms.

Projektleitung:
Rose Jaji

Projektteam:

  • Farewar, Tamana (Ethics-Economics, Law & Politics)
  • Gerer, Alexandra (Environmental Studies & Sustainability Science)
  • Hasch, Fabia (International Studies / Peace & Conflict Research)
  • Malkus, Sarah-Marie (International Development Studies)
  • Nauroschat, Lea (Global Studies)
  • Zeller, Sofia (Human Rights Studies)

Zeitrahmen:
2026 - 2027 / Laufend

Projektbeschreibung

The key main issue that the research will address are:

  • existing and emerging key local actors and collaborations among them
  • perspective of different local actors on localization and regionalization
  • gender and youth dynamics in localization and regionalization
  • challenges and successes of localization and regionalization in facilitating the integration of displaced people
  • how to bridge the gap between national contexts and social realities in displacement contexts in development cooperation

The research seeks to understand:

  • the existing local processes of responding to displacement in partner countries
  • how development cooperation can support localization and regionalization as processes that builds on existing local practices and capacities in response to displacement

Research Partners

The research in Nairobi, Kenya will be carried out in collaboration with partners at Maseno University. Two partners will join us for two weeks each. In their absence as they attend to their teaching duties at the university, one of their junior colleagues/master's students will join us for the whole duration of the research. The junior partner will arrange interview appointments before the the research commences.

Methodology

Qualitative Research Methodology that focus on issues that transcend methodological nationalism

  • semi-structured interviews
  • key informant interviews
  • focus group discussion