US Donates Ksh4.7B To Kenya In A Need-Based Strategy for Refugees
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has received a contribution of Ksh 4.7 billion (US$37 million) from the US government to provide critical food and nutrition assistance to Kenyan refugees.
According to the World Food Programme, the Biden administration made the donation, which will be used to restart cash transfers for residents of the Kakuma and Daadab refugee camps.
This comes after the programme was halted due to a critical funding shortage.
“The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has welcomed a contribution of US$37 million from the United States Government to provide critical food and nutrition assistance to refugees in Kenya,” read the WFP’s statement in part.
🚨News alert🚨@WFP in #Kenya, has welcomed a contribution of US$37 million from the United States Government to provide critical food and nutrition assistance to refugees in Kenya.
— WFP in Kenya (@WFP_Kenya) June 19, 2024
This contribution will enable WFP to increase rations for vulnerable refugees and resume cash… pic.twitter.com/iLuHw9UnMN
Despite the donation, the World Food Programme (WFP) confirmed a change in its refugee aid strategy.
According to the World Food Programme, refugees will now receive aid on a ‘needs-based’ approach that vets the family’s economic situation.
This marks a departure from the traditional funding model, in which the government provided uniform support to refugees.
“In this approach, WFP will provide food assistance based on the food security and socio-economic status of each family. Currently, 650,000 refugees supported by WFP receive the same level of food assistance,” stated the WFP.
Furthermore, the WFP stated that the government has supported the transition, citing it as part of an initial agenda aimed at integrating refugees into settlements.
The Biden administration’s contribution will allow the WFP to increase rations for vulnerable refugees and resume cash transfers in Dadaab and Kakuma through December 2024.
Furthermore, the new funding from the United States Government comes at a time when chronic funding shortfalls have forced a gradual reduction in food rations.
It has reached an unprecedented low of 40%, and a temporary suspension of cash transfers to 580,000 refugees living in Dadaab and Kakuma camps since May 2024.
In recent months, refugees in Kenya have also been affected by the climate crisis, with droughts and floods destroying what they have.
Kenya has seen a 60% increase in the number of refugees and asylum seekers since 2019.
US Donates Ksh4.7B To Kenya In A Need-Based Strategy for Refugees
