H.E. Nam Sangkyoo, the Deputy Ambassador at the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Kenya, pours rice for a beneficiary at a distribution site in Kakuma refugee camp. The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has welcomed a contribution of 21,000 metric tons of rice from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA) of the Republic of Korea (valued at US$ 14.2 million) doubling the contribution from 2023. This substantial donation allows WFP to continue providing essential food assistance to over 565,000 refugees and school-going children in Dadaab and Kakuma camps.

Republic of Korea donates 21K metric tons of rise for refugees based in Kenya

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has welcomed a contribution of 21,000 metric tons of rice from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA) of the Republic of Korea (valued at US$ 14.2 million) doubling the contribution from 2023.

This substantial donation will allow WFP to continue providing essential food assistance to over 565,000 refugees and school-going children in the Dadaab and Kakuma camps.

“The Republic of Korea’s contribution arrives at a critical time when WFP’s resources are severely stretched and the needs rising fast,” said Lauren Landis, WFP’s Country Director in Kenya. “This generous donation will make a tangible difference in the lives of thousands of people, providing them with much-needed sustenance during these challenging times.”

The number of registered refugees and asylum seekers in Kenya has risen to more than 760,000 – a 60 percent rise in the last five years. The rise in needs has outpaced resources forcing WFP to effect deep ration cuts in recent months.

“The Republic of Korea remains committed to supporting Kenya in its efforts to address food insecurity and malnutrition, particularly among vulnerable populations like refugees and asylum seekers,” stated H.E. Nam Sangkyoo, Deputy Ambassador, Embassy of the Republic of Korea, the Deputy Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Kenya. “We recognize the challenges faced by WFP in providing adequate food assistance, and we hope this contribution will help alleviate some of the burden.”

The Republic of Korea has been a steadfast supporter of WFP’s operations in Kenya, contributing a total of 64,500 metric tons of rice since 2018, valued at approximately US$ 53 million. This makes the Republic of Korea WFP’s Kenya second-largest donor.

This year marks the 60th anniversary of WFP’s initial assistance to the Republic of Korea and the 40th anniversary of the country’s graduation from WFP’s support. Between 1964 and 1984, WFP’s food assistance played a crucial role in the development of the Republic of Korea, which was recovering from the devastating effects of the Korean war in 1950s and the big flood in 1963. Today, Republic of Korea is one of WFP’s top 10 donors, and Korean contributions are being delivered to the most vulnerable people all around the world.

Farhiya Abdullahi, a refugee living in Kakuma refugee camp in Northern Kenya, holds a bowl of rice prepared for her family. The rice, donated by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA) of the Republic of Korea, allows WFP to continue providing essential food assistance to over 565,000 refugees and school-going children in Dadaab and Kakuma camps.

In Kenya’s Kakuma Refugee Camp, Rice Makes a House a home

Farhiya Abdullahi Haji likes to cook rice with onions and tomatoes, or make pilau with meat, or serve it alongside cowpea leaves and beans. However she prepares it, her four kids love it. As a family of Somalis living in a refugee camp in northern Kenya, which has seen its refugee population swell to 60 per cent rise in the last five years because of climate shocks and war, there isn’t always enough to go around.

“When there’s no food in the house, it’s not a home. There is no joy,” Farhiya said.

The rise in refugee needs has outpaced resources in recent months, forcing the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) to elect deep ration cuts. Fortunately for Farhiya, the Republic of Korea doubled its rice contribution to Kenya this year to 21,000 metric tons, valued at US$ 14.2 million.

This substantial donation will allow WFP to continue providing essential food assistance to over 565,000 refugees and school-going children in the camps of Dadaab and Kakuma. “The Republic of Korea’s contribution arrives at a critical time when WFP’s resources are severely stretched and the needs rising fast,” said Ms. Lauren Landis, WFP’s Country Director in Kenya.

“This generous donation will make a tangible difference in the lives of thousands of people, providing them with much-needed sustenance during these challenging times.”

The Republic of Korea has been a steadfast supporter of WFP’s operations in Kenya, contributing a total of 64,500 metric tons of rice since 2018, valued at approximately US$ 53 million, making it WFP’s Kenya second-largest donor.

“The Republic of Korea remains committed to supporting Kenya in its efforts to address food insecurity and malnutrition, particularly among vulnerable populations like refugees and asylum seekers,” said H.E. Nam Sangkyoo, Deputy Ambassador, Embassy of the Republic of Korea to Kenya.

“We recognize the challenges faced by WFP in providing adequate food assistance, and we hope this contribution will help alleviate some of the burden.”

When food was more plentiful, Farhiya used to share whatever she had left over with neighbours. With the Republic of Korea’s help, that may now be possible once again. “My kids love rice so much,” Farhiya said. “When the kids see food in the sack they say, ‘God is great’, we have food.”