The World Food Programme (WFP) has received a significant donation of over 23,000 metric tons of rice from the Republic of Korea to support refugees in Kenya.

The shipment arrived at the Port of Mombasa on Friday, July 11, and is expected to sustain food needs for approximately 720,000 refugees living in Dadaab, Kakuma, and Kalobeyei settlements over the next six months.

This marks the largest donation made by the Republic of Korea to WFP in Kenya since it began its refugee support efforts in 2018. The rice will play a vital role in addressing persistent food shortages in refugee camps, where families continue to face difficult living conditions and limited access to basic supplies.

“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.”

The donation comes at a crucial time when humanitarian agencies have been calling for increased support to meet rising food demands among vulnerable populations in Kenya’s northern regions especially with he termination of USAID programme that aided in combating food challenges.

According to the United Nations (UN), the number of refugees and asylum seekers in Kenya has increased by over 70 percent — from around 500,000 to 843,000 — over the past five years. The situation was exercebated as people fled conflict in neighbouring countries like Somalia and South Sudan.

Despite generous support from many donors, the UN rues that funding shortfalls have forced WFP to reduce food rations for refugees to one-third of a ration.

“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 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.”