Policy Expert & Public Voice
RUFUS KARANJA
Forced Migration Policy Expert | Speaker | Moderator
Bridging policy, practice, and public dialogue to advance durable solutions for displacement-affected communities across Africa.
What I Do
Policy & Advisory
Supporting the design and implementation of policies on forced displacement, human rights, and durable solutions for affected communities across East Africa and the Horn of Africa
Programme Leadership
Overseeing multi-stakeholder UN and NGO programmes that deliver protection, livelihoods, and long-term solutions for displaced populations across the region.
Speaking & Moderation
Curating and facilitating high-level conversations at policy forums, development conferences, and multi-stakeholder dialogues across the continent and internationally.
About Me
I am a development and humanitarian professional with over 14 years of experience working on forced migration, human rights advocacy, and durable solutions across East and the Horn of Africa. My work focuses on connecting policy to practice , translating evidence into action and bringing diverse voices into the policy conversations that shape millions of lives.
Speaking & Media
I am a trusted moderator and speaker on forced migration, development policy, and humanitarian response, with experience facilitating discussions at regional and international platforms.My approach is grounded in clarity, inclusivity, and the ability to connect diverse perspectives from policymakers and practitioners to individuals with lived experience.
Selected engagements include:
1. High-level policy panels on forced displacement and refugee protection.
2.Regional and international development conferences
3.Multi-stakeholder workshops on durable solutions
4.Academic and think-tank roundtables on East African humanitarian policy
Inkoversation: Sustainable Solutions for Displaced Communities
A conversation on market-based approaches and livelihoods for refugee and host communities - Inkomoko, 2024
Kenya's Refugee Policy — Towards Coherence? (2023)
A frank discussion on the evolution and future of Kenya's refugee protection frameworks — African Arguments Podcast
Climate Migration — Kigali Global Dialogue (Panel Moderator, 2023
Moderating a high-level conversation on climate-induced displacement at the ORF Kigali Dialogue.
Selected Works & Publications
Contributing to policy discourse through peer-reviewed publications, reports, and research partnerships with leading humanitarian institutions.
Converting Data into Action: The Government-led Durable Solutions Progress Survey in Somalia
How the DSP Survey supports solutions to internal displacement through government-led data and evidence-based policy design.
Read Full Report →Failure to Recognise, Integrate and Fund Refugee-Led Organisations
Examining the challenges refugee-led organisations face in securing recognition, integration and sustainable funding within humanitarian systems.
Read Full Article →Asylum Space in Kenya: Evolution of Refugee Protection over 20 Years
An analysis of how refugee protection policies and asylum space in Kenya have evolved over the past two decades.
Read Full Article →Lessons Learned from the EU RE-INTEG Durable Solutions Consortia (Somalia)
Key findings and lessons from the EU RE-INTEG programme supporting durable solutions and reintegration efforts in Somalia.
Read Full Report →Organizations & Institutions
Partners, institutions, and organizations across East Africa and globally with whom I have worked and served.
Lulu Memorial Library
A centre of excellence and inspirational model library dedicated to promoting a culture of reading among less-privileged children and expanding access to books, learning opportunities, and educational resources across Kenya.
Visit Organisation →
Inkomoko Kenya
Serving on the Advisory Board of Inkomoko Kenya, contributing strategic guidance to strengthen entrepreneurship, expand access to finance, and support the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises.
Visit Organisation →Alumni networks & Affiliations
Oxford University — Refugee Studies Centre
Oxford, United Kingdom
Alumni of the RSC International School on Forced Migration, one of the most selective programmes on displacement and refugee policy globally.
rsc.ox.ac.uk →Bucerius Summer School on Global Governance
Hamburg, Germany
Participated in an international leadership programme bringing together emerging leaders to explore global governance, diplomacy, and policy challenges.
bucerius-summer-school.de →Raisina Dialogue — Observer Research Foundation
New Delhi, India
Selected delegate to one of the world's leading geopolitical and strategic affairs conferences convening policymakers, scholars, and global leaders.
orfonline.org →Kigali Global Dialogue — Observer Research Foundation
Kigali, Rwanda
Participated in high-level discussions on Africa's future, international cooperation, governance, development, and emerging global challenges.
orfonline.org →G20 to COP28: Climate, Energy & Growth
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Attended a global dialogue examining climate action, energy transitions, sustainable growth, and policy priorities shaping the international agenda.
International Conference Participation