In a significant show of international solidarity and development cooperation, the Republic of Korea has donated 23,258 metric tonnes of rice—valued at KSh 2.3 billion—to the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), reinforcing efforts to alleviate food insecurity among refugee populations in Kenya. The consignment, delivered through the Port of Mombasa, marks Korea’s largest rice contribution to date under its partnership with WFP.
The donation, facilitated by Korea’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA), comes amid growing funding challenges and escalating humanitarian needs. By channeling the aid through Mombasa County, the initiative has also strengthened local government coordination, infrastructure utilization, and public service delivery at the coastal hub.
Speaking during the official handover ceremony, His Excellency Kang Hyung-shik, the Republic of Korea’s Ambassador to Kenya, reaffirmed Korea’s commitment to global humanitarian support. “Kenya has consistently demonstrated remarkable generosity in hosting refugees. This donation reflects Korea’s dedication to supporting partner nations that are doing their part under challenging global conditions,” he stated.
Ambassador Kang highlighted Korea’s long-standing collaboration with the WFP and emphasized the country’s vision to expand its development cooperation portfolio in alignment with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
WFP Kenya’s Deputy Country Director, Bai Mankay Sankoh, underscored the timeliness of the contribution. “This rice donation will provide critical relief to refugee families grappling with reduced food rations. Beyond addressing hunger and malnutrition, it brings much-needed hope and stability,” he said, expressing gratitude to the Korean government and citizens.
Kenya currently shelters approximately 875,000 refugees, predominantly in Dadaab and Kakuma camps. Commissioner for Refugee Affairs, John Burugu, acknowledged the immense strain on national resources due to ongoing regional conflicts and displacement. “This support arrives at a pivotal moment. It enables us to bridge immediate gaps in food distribution while sustaining long-term refugee management strategies,” he noted.
He also highlighted the government’s Shirika Plan, which aims to transition refugees from aid dependency to self-reliance. Through integrated settlements and policy reforms—including enhanced financial and communication access—refugees are being empowered to contribute productively alongside host communities.
Mombasa County played a vital facilitative role in the successful offloading and coordination of the rice consignment. County Secretary and Head of Public Service, Jayzan Farouk, commended the Republic of Korea and WFP for their continued partnership. “Mombasa County remains a strategic humanitarian gateway. This collaboration reflects how global aid can be locally integrated to serve vulnerable populations efficiently,” he said.
Deputy County Commissioner Rashid Kwanya echoed the sentiments, noting the broader impact on regional stability. “This partnership is more than a food consignment—it’s a lifeline for thousands and a model for future humanitarian logistics and governance collaboration,” he stated.
Through effective coordination with the Mombasa County Government and national agencies, this initiative not only reinforces Kenya’s refugee support framework but also sets a precedent for leveraging port infrastructure and devolved governance in global relief efforts.
