Unexpected Urgent Refugee and Migration Needs Related to Kenya

President George W. Bush determined it was in the national interest to provide up to $4.9 million from the U.S. Emergency Refugee and Migration Assistance Fund for humanitarian needs in Kenya and for Kenyan refugees in neighboring countries following post-election violence. The Secretary of State was delegated authority to set terms and conditions and disburse funds through international, governmental, and nongovernmental organizations.

Federal Register Open PDF 73 FR 13431

Impact dates

Mar 7, 2008
Funds available for immediate obligation upon determination

Key directives

Authorize up to $4.9 million from Emergency Refugee and Migration Assistance Fund for Kenya humanitarian needs
Delegate presidential functions under sections 2(c)(1) and 2(d) of Migration and Refugee Assistance Act to Secretary of State
Permit Secretary of State to further assign functions to subordinates
Direct publication in Federal Register

Who is ordered

Secretary of State · Department of State

Timeline

Immediate

Determination takes effect upon signing; $4.9 million authorized for immediate obligation

Near term (90d)

Disbursement of funds to international, governmental, and nongovernmental organizations
Payment of administrative expenses for Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration

Long term

—

Risks & tensions

Post-election violence in Kenya (December 2007-February 2008) created urgent displacement crisis; timing suggests rapid response to emerging situation
Delegation to Secretary of State without specific congressional notification timeline beyond standard requirements
No explicit monitoring or reporting conditions specified in text