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- Food rations in one of Africa’s largest refugee camps have been halved due to U.S. aid cuts.
- The reduction severely impacts over 700,000 refugees in Kenya’s Kakuma camp.
- Malnutrition rates among children and pregnant women are rising as a result.
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Essential Context
The U.N. World Food Program (WFP) has been forced to cut food rations in half for refugees in Kenya’s Kakuma camp. This decision follows significant funding cuts, particularly from the United States, which had been a major donor.
Core Players
- U.N. World Food Program (WFP) – Global food assistance agency.
- United States – President Trump major donor to WFP programs.
- Kenya – Host country for Kakuma refugee camp.
- Colin Buleti – WFP’s head in Kakuma.
Key Numbers
- 700,000+ – Number of refugees affected in Kakuma camp.
- 3 kg – Monthly rice ration per refugee, down from 9 kg recommended by the UN.
- 1 kg – Monthly lentil ration per refugee.
- 500 ml – Monthly cooking oil ration per refugee.
- $5,400 – Monthly sales loss for local businesses due to reduced WFP cash transfers.
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The Catalyst
The funding crisis began in March when the U.S. aid to the WFP was paused. This significant reduction in funding has cascaded into severe cuts in food rations for refugees.
“Come August, we are likely to see a more difficult scenario. If WFP doesn’t receive any funding between now and then, it means only a fraction of the refugees will be able to get assistance,” warned Colin Buleti, WFP’s head in Kakuma.
Inside Forces
The WFP relies heavily on international donors to maintain its food assistance programs. The recent aid cuts have exacerbated an already fragile system, leading to drastic reductions in food rations.
This is not an isolated issue; similar cuts have affected refugee camps in other regions, including Bangladesh, where Rohingya refugees are also facing halved food rations.
Power Dynamics
The U.S. has historically been a major donor to the WFP, and its aid pause has significant implications. Other countries, such as the UK and Germany, have also reduced their aid, further straining the resources available for refugee assistance.
The WFP is now seeking help from other donors to mitigate the crisis.
Outside Impact
The reduction in food rations has broader implications beyond the refugee community. Local businesses that rely on WFP cash transfers are facing significant losses, with one businessman recording a drop from 700,000 Kenyan shillings to near zero.
The health and safety of the refugees are also at risk, with rising cases of malnutrition among children under 5 and pregnant and breastfeeding mothers.
Future Forces
If the WFP does not receive additional funding, the situation is expected to worsen. Only the most vulnerable refugees may receive assistance, leaving many without adequate food.
The WFP hopes to receive the next donation of rice by August, but the outlook remains uncertain.
Data Points
- March 2025: U.S. aid to WFP paused.
- June 2025: Food rations halved in Kakuma camp.
- August 2025: Expected date for next rice donation.
- 2017: Rohingya refugees fled genocide in Myanmar to seek safety in Bangladesh, highlighting ongoing refugee crises.
The halving of food rations in Africa’s largest refugee camps underscores the critical need for sustained international aid. As the situation continues to deteriorate, the global community must come together to ensure the basic needs of these vulnerable populations are met.
