U.S. Bestows $37 Million Lifeline to World Food Programme, Empowering Vulnerable Refugees in Kenya
In the past two months, refugees have endured living on less than half the necessary food for a healthy existence, all due to persistent funding gaps, the World Food Programme (WFP) announced.
On Wednesday, the UN’s WFP expressed gratitude for a hefty $37 million infusion from the USA, designed to supply essential food and nutrition aid to Kenya’s refugees.
WFP’s chief in Kenya, Lauren Landis, disclosed that this money would enable the organization to boost food rations for at-risk refugees and reinstate cash transfers in both camps through the end of 2024.
“The past two months have been grueling for refugee families, surviving on less than half of what’s necessary for a healthy life,” said Landis.
She further noted that the WFP plans to “up the ration to 60% and revive Bamba Chakula cash transfers in Dadaab and Kakuma. This will ensure more food for families, energize local markets, and enhance the diversity of available diets.”
Persistent funding droughts had pushed food rations to a historic low of 40% of the needed minimum.
A refugee in Kakuma named Remi Deng shared his appreciation for the renewed support. “These last months have been brutal. This assistance means our kids can eat, and we can glimpse a better tomorrow, especially for the youth,” Deng told Anadolu.
Humanitarian expert Mercy Maingi from World Vision Kenya also spoke on the positive impact of the funds. “This vital contribution will significantly uplift refugees’ living standards by ensuring they get the food and resources they need. It will also stimulate local economies through increased market transactions,” Maingi explained.
Cash transfers to the 580,000 refugees in these camps were paused in May.
Adding to these woes, climate-induced droughts and floods have wreaked havoc on already struggling refugee settlements.
Kenya faces a 60% rise in refugees and asylum seekers since 2019. Most refugees hail from Somalia, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, fleeing ongoing conflict and instability.
