South Korea has contributed more than 10,000 tonnes of rice, valued at approximately USD 9.53 million (Sh1.23 billion), to assist refugees residing in Kenya's Dadaab and Kakuma camps. The donation was officially handed over at the World Food Programme (WFP) warehouse in Mombasa during a ceremony attended by Kenyan government officials, representatives from South Korea, and WFP personnel.
Critical Support Amid Funding Challenges
Belio Kipsang, Principal Secretary for Immigration and Citizen Services, highlighted the donation as a vital expression of global solidarity at a time when humanitarian agencies face dwindling financial resources. He emphasized that the rice will provide essential food aid to nearly 500,000 refugees, helping to alleviate hunger during a period of reduced donor funding that has forced cuts in food rations.
"This contribution goes beyond food provision; it symbolizes shared responsibility towards vulnerable populations," Kipsang stated. He also noted the ongoing efforts under Kenya's Shirika Plan, which aims to transition refugees from humanitarian dependency to self-reliance through better access to education, livelihoods, and public services. However, he stressed that ensuring food security remains a crucial priority to support these initiatives.
Longstanding Partnership and Future Preparedness
South Korean Ambassador Kang Hyung-shik reaffirmed his country's commitment to refugee support despite global economic and geopolitical challenges. He underscored the importance of international cooperation in addressing large-scale refugee crises.
WFP Kenya Country Director Betty Ka acknowledged South Korea as one of the agency's most dependable humanitarian partners, having donated over 118,000 metric tonnes of rice since 2018. She added that the latest donation will sustain nearly half a million refugees in Dadaab and Kakuma in the coming months and enhance WFP's readiness ahead of the anticipated El Niño season.
