The Republic of Korea has donated 23,258 metric tonnes of rice, valued at Sh2.3 billion, to the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) to support refugees in Kenya.
The consignment handed over at the Port of Mombasa is intended to ease food shortages affecting vulnerable refugee populations in the country.
The donation, provided through Korea’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA), comes at a time when humanitarian agencies are grappling with reduced funding and rising needs in refugee settlements.
Speaking during the handover ceremony at the port of Mombasa, Republic of Korea Ambassador to Kenya, Kang Hyung-shik, affirmed Korea’s commitment to global humanitarian support, noting the country’s growing role as a donor nation.
“Since 2018, Korea has partnered with WFP to provide rice donations, and this year’s contribution is the largest to date. We are pleased to support Kenya, a country that has hosted refugees with generosity and resilience despite mounting global challenges,” he said.
Ambassador Kang emphasised the need for international solidarity in addressing global refugee crises, adding that Korea plans to continue expanding its development cooperation and humanitarian assistance in line with sustainable development goals.
WFP Kenya Deputy Country Director Bai Mankay Sankoh hailed the donation as timely, noting that food rations for refugees had been reduced over the past five months due to funding constraints.
“This contribution will not only combat hunger and malnutrition but also alleviate the mental stress caused by uncertainty over food availability. We are grateful to the Government and people of Korea for standing with humanity when it matters most,” said Sankoh.
Kenya currently hosts an estimated 875,000 refugees, primarily in Dadaab and Kakuma camps. Commissioner for Refugee Affairs John Burugu acknowledged the increasing pressure on resources due to regional displacement trends and protracted conflicts.
“This donation arrives at a critical time, when funding gaps have forced cuts to food rations and suspension of cash assistance,” Burugu said. “We appreciate Korea’s support and reaffirm Kenya’s commitment to supporting refugees while safeguarding host communities.”
He further highlighted government initiatives under the Shirika Plan, which aims to transition refugees from dependency to self-reliance through social and economic inclusion, improved access to services, and financial inclusion via recent regulatory reforms enabling SIM card ownership by refugees.
“We are shifting towards integrated settlements, where refugees and host communities share resources, access joint services, and contribute to environmental restoration and climate action,” he said.
Mombasa County Secretary and Head of Public Service Jayzan Farouk also expressed appreciation to the Government of Korea and WFP for their continued partnership in humanitarian efforts.
Deputy County Commissioner Rashid Kwanya commended the gesture, stating it would go a long way in addressing the food crisis among refugees.
“We value Korea’s friendship and partnership. This support will significantly help alleviate humanitarian challenges, and we look forward to strengthening this collaboration,” he said.
By Chari Suche and Sitati Reagan
