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Empowering Refugees: Korea’s Generosity in the Face of Hunger

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) recently welcomed a significant donation of 23,268 metric tonnes of rice from the Republic of Korea. This gesture is not merely a statistic; it represents a lifeline for those navigating the tumultuous waters of displacement and uncertainty. Valued at Sh2.34 billion (approximately $18 million), this contribution was facilitated through Korea’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

This timely support is poised to benefit around 720,000 refugees residing in Dadaab and Kakuma camps, as well as the Kalobeyei settlement, over the upcoming six months. It begs the question: what does it mean for individuals in such desperate situations to receive not just food, but hope?

As Baimankay Sankoh, WFP’s Deputy Country Director in Kenya, aptly noted, “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.” His words echo the very essence of hope in times of despair. Most refugees are unable to find work or return to their homeland, creating a dependency on humanitarian assistance. The sentiments linger: How long can such reliance be sustained?

The backdrop against which this donation unfolds is troubling. The WFP has sounded alarms regarding impending funding shortfalls. In May, the agency warned that refugees in Kenya faced a rising risk of food insecurity, a situation exacerbated by severe cuts to food assistance. Imagine the apprehension of a parent unable to provide adequate food or nutrition for their children; it’s a harsh reality for many in the camps.

From June, the 720,000 refugees who rely on WFP’s support encountered a startling shift: they received an in-kind food ration reflecting only 28 percent of the minimum daily recommended intake. The suspension of all cash assistance due to funding shortages has further darkened their prospects. “WFP’s operations supporting refugees in Kenya are under immense strain,” Sankoh stated, painting a stark picture of dwindling resources and increased vulnerability.

The statistics reveal a heartbreaking reality. The Global Acute Malnutrition rate among refugee children, as well as pregnant and breastfeeding women in Kenya, has soared above the critical 10 percent threshold—currently hovering over 13 percent. Vital nutrition programs designed to support these vulnerable populations were halted in late 2024 due to financial constraints. Why do we allow such a humanitarian crisis to persist when we have the means to intervene?

In 2024, the efforts spearheaded by WFP, in partnership with Kenya’s Department of Refugee Services and UNHCR, provided monthly food assistance. This comprehensive aid included a delicate combination of cash and in-kind food. However, repeated budgetary constraints have led to painful ration cuts. The most recent reduction in February cut support to a mere 40 percent of a full food basket, which should ideally provide a daily intake of 2,100 kilocalories. It’s disheartening to comprehend how many families must now navigate hunger on a day-to-day basis when they once had access to sufficient food.

The situation grows more pressing as the number of refugees and asylum seekers in Kenya has surged dramatically; from approximately 500,000 to 843,000 in just five years, a rise fueled by ongoing conflict and instability in neighboring countries like Somalia and South Sudan. This is not just a statistic—it’s a narrative of human lives disrupted, families torn apart, and children deprived of basic needs.

Despite support from various donors, WFP has been compelled to reduce rations to merely one-third of the recommended levels. The Republic of Korea, however, has played a pivotal role in sustaining WFP’s operations in Kenya. Over the span from 2018 to 2025, Korea’s support has totaled an impressive $88 million in rice donations. “Korean rice is known for its high quality,” Sankoh remarked. “Its reliable, annual delivery allows WFP to plan effectively and respond flexibly to shifting needs on the ground.” Such commitments not only feed the body but also preserve the dignity of those who receive it, ensuring access to sufficient and nutritious food.

Ambassador Kang Hyung-shik of the Republic of Korea reaffirmed his nation’s unwavering commitment to humanitarian efforts. “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,” he asserted. It’s a powerful reminder of global solidarity—what can each of us do in our daily lives to support those experiencing such profound hardships?

As we reflect on the profound impact of this rice donation, it serves not merely as sustenance but as a symbol of collaborative human spirit and empathy that transcends borders. When one country extends its hand to another in times of need, it bridges the gap between despair and hope, fostering a future where every person has access to the basics of life.

Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.