Kenya Receives Rice Aid from South Korea to Support Refugees

By Harrison Kivisu

Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com

Kenya’s humanitarian programme gets a boost after receiving a substantial donation of food aid from the Government of South Korea in support of refugees living in the country.

The donation consists of 23,258 metric tons of rice, valued at approximately USD 18 million, marking a significant gesture of solidarity and compassion amid increasing humanitarian challenges.

The rice consignment, shipped to Kenya via Korea’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA), was formally handed over at a ceremonial event held at the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) on Friday, July 11, 2025, at Berth No.14 of the Port City of Mombasa.

The food assistance is channeled through the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), which will coordinate its distribution to refugee camps in Kakuma, Kalobeyei, and Dadaab. Home to some of the largest refugee populations in East Africa region.

Currently, Kenya hosts 854,876 refugees and asylum seekers, many of whom have fled conflict, persecution, and economic instability in neighboring countries of South Sudan, Somalia, Ethiopia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The numbers have increased exponentially in recent years due to deteriorating security conditions and climate-related disasters that have compounded displacement across the Horn of Africa.

The donation comes at a critical time as aid agencies warn of increasing food insecurity and malnutrition in the camps, where resources are stretched and basic services are under pressure. It is estimated that more than half of the refugee population relies heavily on food assistance for survival.

John Burugu, Kenya’s Commissioner for Refugee Affairs, applauded the generous support from the Republic of Korea and reiterated government’s commitment to continued collaboration with international humanitarian actors.

“The Government of Kenya expresses its readiness and pledges continued collaboration with WFP, Korea, and all humanitarian actors to strengthen the dignity and resilience of refugees in Kenyan camps.”

The commissioner added that Kenya remained committed to upholding international principles of protection and support for displaced populations. It will continue facilitating access to aid and essential services.

Kang Hyung-Shik, the South Korean ambassador to Kenya, reiterated his government’s pledge to supporting food security and humanitarian efforts in Kenya would continue to be honoured.

He noted that Korea recognized the burden Kenya carried in hosting refugees and values its role as a regional haven for displaced people.

“Korea is committed to sustaining humanitarian assistance to refugees in Kenya. We value our partnerships and collaboration aimed at easing the refugee burden,” he said.

The ambassador explained that Korea’s involvement in global aid initiatives reflects its growing presence on the world stage as a reliable development partner.

WFP Kenya representative Bai Mankay Sankoh commended the Republic of Korea for its continued generosity saying the transformative impact food aid could have on refugees’ health and mental well-being was important.

“This donation will go a long way in addressing hunger, improving nutrition, and reducing mental health concerns across refugee camps.

Korea is one of the largest food donors in 2025, and we’re immensely grateful for its ongoing support.”

The rice will be distributed across various sites, prioritizing vulnerable groups such as children, pregnant and lactating mothers, and individuals with chronic health conditions.

WFP also plans to integrate nutritional education and community resilience-building programs to ensure long-term sustainability.

While food assistance is crucial, stakeholders also highlighted the need for durable solutions that go beyond emergency aid.

These include initiatives that support education, vocational training, and livelihood development to empower refugees and reduce long-term dependency.

The handover ceremony ended with reaffirmations from both governments and WFP that this partnership would continue to grow, shaping a more hopeful future for refugees in Kenya.