Korean Rice Donation Offers Lifeline to Refugees in Kenya Amid Deepening Crisis

NAIROBI – A major food donation from the Republic of Korea is set to provide crucial support for hundreds of thousands of refugees in Kenya, as humanitarian needs continue to outpace available resources.

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has welcomed the arrival of 23,268 metric tons of high-quality rice from Korea’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA). Valued at US$18 million, this is the largest single contribution from Korea since it began assisting refugees in Kenya in 2018. According to WFP, the rice will help feed 720,000 refugees living in Dadaab and Kakuma camps and the Kalobeyei settlement for the next six months.

“This generous contribution is vital as we work to respond to the needs of an increasing number of refugees in Kenya, while the resources available to support them are decreasing,” said Baimankay Sankoh, WFP’s Deputy Country Director in Kenya. “Most refugees are unable to work or return home and are entirely dependent on humanitarian assistance to survive. This generous rice contribution from the Republic of Korea is more vital than ever for WFP to continue supporting the food needs of hundreds of thousands of refugees. And we sincerely hope that this expanded rice contribution will continue in the future”.

Kenya currently hosts approximately 843,000 refugees and asylum seekers, a figure that has risen by more than 70 per cent over the past five years as conflict and instability persist in neighbouring countries such as Somalia and South Sudan. Despite the sustained generosity of international donors, WFP has been forced to cut food rations for refugees to only one-third of the recommended amount due to funding shortfalls.

Korean rice is renowned for its quality, and the regular, predictable donations have allowed WFP to plan its humanitarian response more effectively. This has helped safeguard the dignity of refugees by ensuring that food assistance is both sufficient and nutritious.

“The Republic of Korea is proud to stand alongside other nations in responding to the rising hunger crisis and providing hope to thousands of families in the eastern Africa region,” said H.E. Kang Hyung-shik, the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Kenya. “Our history is deeply rooted in global solidarity, and we remain committed to standing with those in need”.

Since 2018, the Republic of Korea has contributed rice worth US$88 million to support WFP’s work with refugees in Kenya. These ongoing contributions have been essential in enabling WFP to maintain operations and respond flexibly to new challenges on the ground.

For more information, visit: World Food Programme

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