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The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has received a significant rice donation from South Korea to aid refugees in Kenya.
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The Republic of Korea, through its Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, has contributed 23,268 metric tonnes of rice, valued at Sh2.34 billion ($18 million).
This donation will support around 720,000 refugees residing in Dadaab, Kakuma, and Kalobeyei for the next six months.
“This generous support from Korea is crucial for WFP as we continue to provide food aid to hundreds of thousands of refugees,” said WFP Kenya Deputy Country Director Baimankay Sankoh. “Many of these individuals rely entirely on humanitarian aid, and we hope such contributions will continue.”
The donation comes at a time when WFP is facing serious funding shortages. In May, the agency warned that food aid for refugees in Kenya had reached a historic low. By June, rations had been slashed to only 28% of the recommended daily intake, and all cash aid was halted due to limited funds.
Sankoh noted the dire consequences of these cuts: “Our refugee programs are under enormous pressure, and further reductions will worsen hunger and malnutrition among vulnerable groups.”
Currently, the rate of Global Acute Malnutrition among refugee children and pregnant or breastfeeding women in Kenya stands at over 13%, surpassing the emergency threshold of 10%. Due to funding gaps, WFP had to suspend its nutrition programs for children and mothers at the end of 2024.
Despite long-standing partnerships with Kenya’s Department of Refugee Services and the UNHCR, WFP has had to reduce rations multiple times. In February, support was lowered to just 40% of a full food basket—far below the standard 2,100 daily kilocalories.
Refugee numbers in Kenya have surged in recent years, increasing from 500,000 to over 843,000, largely due to instability in neighboring countries like Somalia and South Sudan.
While WFP continues to receive backing from various international donors, repeated financial constraints have hindered its operations. South Korea has been a consistent partner, providing rice donations valued at $88 million between 2018 and 2025.
“Korean rice is of high quality and its timely delivery allows WFP to plan and adapt effectively,” Sankoh added. “This dependable support upholds the dignity of refugees by ensuring they have access to nutritious food.”
South Korea’s Ambassador to Kenya, H.E. Kang Hyung-shik, reaffirmed his country’s humanitarian commitment, stating, “We are proud to join other nations in responding to the growing hunger crisis. Korea’s history is deeply rooted in global solidarity, and we will continue to support those in need.”
