Opportunities and barriers to using mobile technology and the internet in Kakuma refugee camp and Nakivale refugee settlement

Report from Samuel Hall’s project exploring mobile technology solutions for refugees in East Africa.

There are more refugees and asylum seekers in East Africa than Europe combined, the majority of which
are Africans fleeing conflict from neighbouring countries. Smartphones have become a vital tool for many refugees as they leave their homes in search of safety and a better life.

This study explores how refugees traveling within East Africa use mobile technology and the internet to support migration, and to what extent current tech solutions meet their needs. The study takes a significant step towards deciphering the degree to which mobile phone coverage, access to smartphones, awareness of mobile-based services and technical literacy affect the role mobile technology can play in supporting refugees.