Three teenagers I met at that camp still stick out in my mind. In the sprawling settlement they shared a tent, they also shared a loss, all had been separated from family members whilst fleeing the violence.
The plight of these three children is by no means unique here. An assessment carried out by aid agencies in Kakuma found out that an estimated 1,133 children have been separated from their parents of which an estimated 149 were unaccompanied minors.
But even for those with family members, the situation offers little relief. Over 145,000 people have fled South Sudan looking for safety and shelter, many who arrive at this camp do so with very little. As violence once again threatens to erupt in South Sudan, the refugee influx stretches limited access to water, food and clean sanitation.
Those such as Pal, are among thousands of refugees hoping that one day, they will be reunited with their family. Every evening as the UN buses bring another batch of new arrivals to the reception centre, Pal is among those watching expectantly, hoping that his mother is among them.
These are thoughts that appear to linger on many children’s faces as you wander around the camp.
With or without their families, many have endured unimaginable hardships to escape South Sudan’s violence. Now though they must try and resume some form of normality.
Aside from food and shelter, these children immediately need psychological support and counselling to help them deal with their experiences. If nothing is done, their suffering may far outlive this conflict.
Lucy Murunga is a World Vision aid worker based in Nairobi, Kenya.