Latest news with #Dadaab
Telegraph
29-07-2025
- Politics
- Telegraph
Police open fire on hungry refugees in Kenya as US aid cuts trigger food shortages
Police opened fire on hungry refugees in northern Kenya on Monday amid a worsening food crisis triggered by the abrupt withdrawal of US humanitarian funding. At least two people were reportedly killed after angry protesters attempted to storm a United Nations facility in Kakuma, a settlement housing more than 300,000 refugees. Aid workers have warned of a looming humanitarian crisis in Kenya's refugee camps after the UN's World Food Programme (WFP) was forced to slash rations when the Trump administration cut foreign aid. Until January, the United States funded 70 percent of WFP's programme feeding more in the Kakuma and Dadaab camps, which house more than 800,000 refugees who have fled conflict and natural disaster from more than a dozen countries in Africa and beyond. But shortly after Donald Trump's inauguration, the State department halted contributions, leaving WFP unable to provide more than 30 per cent of the minimum daily calories needed to stay healthy. Assistance is usually split between direct food aid and cash handouts, designed to give refugees choice and support small businesses in the camps. But ration cuts have left many families skipping meals, with child and adult malnutrition rising sharply. The crisis is most acute at Kalobeyei, an experimental settlement within Kakuma where more than 70,000 refugees relied almost entirely on cash transfers. Handouts stopped altogether at the end of June, collapsing local businesses and driving many into debt. Ironically, Monday's protest, which was centred on Kalobeyei, was sparked by news that the programme would resume – but only partially. Refugees were divided into four categories, with the most vulnerable receiving just £3-£6 a month, while the rest would get nothing. Hundreds gathered outside a WFP storage facility at dawn to denounce what they called 'differentiated assistance'. As crowds swelled, the protest turned violent, witnesses said. 'They broke down the doors and were attacking people with knives and stones,' said one refugee, injured by a rock and trapped inside with WFP staff. 'We managed to escape in WFP vehicles but a number of people were hurt.' Witnesses said demonstrators set fire to an empty warehouse before police opened fire, killing two people and wounding several others. Kenyan police and UN officials declined to comment on casualties but The Telegraph was able to confirm the death of one protester, shot in the back of the head. WFP said it was investigating. 'The World Food Programme (WFP) can confirm that a fire broke out at its storage facility in Kalobeyei Settlement in northern Kenya on Monday 28th July,' a WFP spokesperson said. 'WFP and the local authorities are looking into the circumstances surrounding this incident and assessing any damage or losses. 'WFP's priority is the safety and well-being of the people we serve, and our staff.'
Zawya
11-07-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
Republic of Korea rice donation provides critical boost to World Food Programme (WFP)'s emergency response for refugees in Kenya
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) welcomed a contribution of 23,268 metric tons of rice from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA) of the Republic of Korea, valued at US$18 million, to support the food needs of refugees in Kenya. This contribution – the largest from the Republic of Korea since it began supporting refugees in Kenya in 2018 – will support the food needs of 720,000 refugees in Dadaab and Kakuma refugee camps and Kalobeyei settlement for six months. 'This generous contribution is vital as we work to respond to the needs of an increasing number of refugees in Kenya, while the resources available to support them are decreasing,' said Baimankay Sankoh, WFP's Deputy Country Director in Kenya. 'Most refugees are unable to work or return home and are entirely dependent on humanitarian assistance to survive. 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. And we sincerely hope that this expanded rice contribution will continue in the future.' Over the past five years, the number of refugees and asylum seekers in Kenya has increased by over 70 percent – from around 500,000 to 843,000 - as people have fled conflict in neighbouring countries like Somalia and South Sudan. But, despite the generous support from many donors, funding shortfalls have forced WFP to reduce food rations for refugees to one-third of a ration. Korean rice is known for its high quality, while the reliable delivery from the Republic of Korea on a fixed annual schedule, allows WFP to plan effectively and respond flexibly to shifting needs on the ground. This predictable support contributes to safeguarding the dignity of refugees by ensuring access to sufficient and nutritious food. '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,' said H.E. Kang Hyung-shik, the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Kenya. 'Our history is deeply rooted in global solidarity, and we remain committed to standing with those in need.' The Republic of Korea is a significant donor to WFP in Kenya, providing annual rice contributions that help WFP maintain consistent humanitarian operations. Between 2018 and 2025, WFP has received rice contributions to the value of US$ 88 million through MAFRA in support of refugees. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Food Programme (WFP).
