Interior Cabinet Secretary Onesmus Kipchumba Murkomen is asking developed countries to contribute and help Kenya provide essential services to hundreds of refugees sheltered in camps.

In a statement on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, CS Murkomen confirmed that the recent freeze and budget cuts had impacted Kenya’s ability to host refugees and asylum seekers.

The CS noted that the World Food Program (WFP) could only offer 40 per cent of the basic minimum ration, compelling the refugees to stage protests.

“Following recent aid freezes and budget cuts for humanitarian assistance programs by developed countries, the impact on our country’s ability to host refugees and asylum seekers, which number over 800,000 people, has been sudden and severe.

“Just yesterday, refugees in Kakuma protested over the reduction in food portions provided by the World Food Program (WFP) which is now only able to offer 40 per cent of the basic minimum ration,” Murkomen stated.

His sentiments came hours after refugees staged protests demanding urgent action over severe food and water shortage.

The demonstrations followed recent reductions in humanitarian aid, largely due to funding cuts from the United States administration led by Donald Trump, a key donor to refugee programs in Kenya.

According to residents, conditions in the camp have deteriorated significantly, with many struggling to access necessities.

Shoulder burden

While making it clear that Kenya would not be in a position to meet the remaining 60 per cent ratio, CS Murkomen implored developed countries to shoulder the burden.

“Our country has hosted refugees fleeing conflicts in the region for over 3 decades. We shoulder the burden of healthcare, education, food and security. With the cut in funding for humanitarian assistance programs by the developed world, the socio-economic impact on our country will be unbearable. And yet to turn our backs on the most vulnerable people runs counter to our belief in shared humanity,” Murkomen’s statement read in part.

“It’s therefore incumbent on developed countries to shoulder the financial burden as we do our bit,” he pleaded.

Meeting with UN officials

As part of finding a solution and averting further protests, CS Murkomen held a meeting with various leaders from different United Nations organs.

He met with United Nations Resident Coordinator in Kenya, Dr. Stephen Jackson, on Tuesday, March 4, 2025.

Heads of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), World Food Programme, and International Organization for Migration (IOM) were also part of the meeting with CS Murkomen.

The meeting majorly focused on how to address the budgetary shortfalls in the country.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the World Food Programme (WFP), which oversee aid distribution in Kakuma, had previously warned that financial constraints could force them to scale down operations.