H.E. Nam Sangkyoo, the Deputy Ambassador at the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Kenya, pours rice for a beneficiary at a distribution site in Kakuma refugee camp. The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has welcomed a contribution of 21,000 metric tons of rice from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA) of the Republic of Korea (valued at US$ 14.2 million) doubling the contribution from 2023. This substantial donation allows WFP to continue providing essential food assistance to over 565,000 refugees and school-going children in Dadaab and Kakuma camps.
The United Nations World Food Program (WFP) has welcomed the contribution of 21,000 metric tons of rice from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA) of the Republic of Korea (valued at US$ 14.2 million) doubling the contribution from 2023.
The Republic of Korea has been a steadfast supporter of WFP’s operations in Kenya,
contributing a total of 64,500 metric tons of rice since 2018, valued at approximately US$ 53
million. This makes the Republic of Korea WFP’s Kenya second-largest donor.
“This generous donation will make a tangible difference in the lives of thousands of people, providing them with much-needed sustenance during these challenging times,” said Lauren Landis, WFP’s Country Director in Kenya.
Farhiya Abdullahi Haji family has been living in the refugee camp in northern Kenya. With the food ration she gets she likes to cook rice with onions and tomatoes, make pilau with meat, or serve it alongside cowpea leaves and beans for her family. However she prepares it, her four kids love it though there isn’t always enough to go around.
The number of registered refugees and asylum seekers in Kenya has risen to more than
760,000 – a 60 percent rise in the last five years. The rise in needs has outpaced resources
forcing WFP to effect deep ration cuts in recent months.
“When there’s no food in the house, it’s not a home. There is no joy,” said Farhiya.
Fortunately for Farhiya, the contribution made by the Republic of Korea would ensure her home remains happy.
“My kids love rice so much. “When the kids see food in the sack they say, ‘God is
great’, we have food,” adds Farhiya.
The substantial donation will allow WFP to continue providing essential food assistance to over
565,000 refugees and school-going children in the camps of Dadaab and Kakuma.
“The Republic of Korea’s contribution arrives at a critical time when WFP’s resources are
severely stretched and the needs rising fast,” said Landis.
“The Republic of Korea remains committed to supporting Kenya in its efforts to address food
insecurity and malnutrition, particularly among vulnerable populations like refugees and
asylum seekers,” stated H.E. Nam Sangkyoo, Deputy Ambassador, Embassy of the Republic of
Korea, the Deputy Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Kenya.
“We recognize the challenges faced by WFP in providing adequate food assistance, and we hope this contribution will help alleviate some of the burden,” added Sangkyoo.
This year marks the 60th anniversary of WFP’s initial assistance to the Republic of Korea and the
40th anniversary of the country’s graduation from WFP’s support. Between 1964 and 1984,
WFP’s food assistance played a crucial role in the development of the Republic of Korea, which
was recovering from the devastating effects of the Korean War in the 1950s and the big flood in
1963.
Today, the Republic of Korea is one of WFP’s top 10 donors, and Korean contributions are
being delivered to the most vulnerable people all around the world.
