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The US government has given out a contribution of Ksh4.7 billion (US$37 million) to help refugees in Kenya, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has announced.

In a statement on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, WFP noted that President Joe Biden’s administration has remitted the money to help provide critical food and nutrition assistance to refugees in Kenya.

While acknowledging the financial aid, WFP noted that it will go a long way in helping them resume cash programme in Kakuma and Dabaab refugee camps.

The World Food Programme noted that the money from US government will help them support the refugees till December 2024.

“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. This contribution will enable WFP to increase rations for vulnerable refugees and resume cash transfers in Dadaab and Kakuma until December 2024,” WFP’s statement read in part.

Shift in policy

With the new round of funding, WFP announced a shift in policy from providing refugees with homogeneous support to a ‘needs-based’ approach.

In this approach, WFP will provide food assistance based on each family’s food security and socio-economic status.

Currently, 650,000 refugees supported by WFP receive the same level of food assistance.

“Providing assistance according to levels of need ensures that the most vulnerable are prioritised based on available resources while weaning the least vulnerable off humanitarian assistance and supporting them to become self-reliant instead,” stated Lauren Landis, WFP’s Country Director in Kenya.

WFP further highlighted that the new funding will help them bridge a forced reduction in food rations. The organisation further explained that lack of funds had compelled them to halt cash transfer programme to 580,000 refugees living in Dadaab and Kakuma camps since May 2024.

“Refugee families have had a very difficult past two months – surviving on less than half of the minimum food required for a healthy life,” Landis remarked.

“With support from the United States Government, WFP will increase this amount to 60 percent of the minimum ration and resume Bamba Chakula cash transfers in Dadaab and Kakuma. This will avail more food to the families, uplift the local markets, and increase availability and accessibility of diverse diets.”

🚨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.

This contribution will enable WFP to increase rations for vulnerable refugees and resume cash… pic.twitter.com/iLuHw9UnMN

— WFP in Kenya (@WFP_Kenya) June 19, 2024

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