The World Food Programme (WFP) has welcomed a major donation of 23,268 tonnes of rice from South Korea’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA), marking the largest contribution from South Korea since it began assisting refugees in Kenya in 2018.
Valued at $18 million, the donation is expected to sustain the food needs of approximately 720,000 refugees residing in the Dadaab, Kakuma, and Kalobeyei camps for six months, providing crucial relief as humanitarian resources dwindle.
“This generous contribution is vital as the number of refugees in Kenya continues to rise,” said Baimankay Sankoh, WFP Deputy Country Director.
He added, “The majority are entirely dependent on humanitarian assistance. This support is timely.”
Kenya has seen its refugee and asylum seeker population surge by more than 70 percent over the past five years, reaching 843,000 individuals.
This increase is largely driven by ongoing crises in neighboring Somalia and South Sudan. Despite support from multiple partners, WFP has been forced to reduce food rations to a third of their normal size due to funding shortfalls.
South Korean rice, renowned for its high quality, is delivered regularly, enabling WFP to plan its operations and maintain a steady flow of food aid.
“The Republic of Korea is proud to contribute to alleviating the hunger crisis in the region,” said Kang Hyung-shik, South Korean Ambassador to Kenya.
“Our humanitarian commitment is based on a tradition of international solidarity.”
Since 2018, South Korea has donated over $88 million worth of rice to support refugees in Kenya, demonstrating a strong and ongoing partnership with WFP in addressing regional food insecurity.
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