WFP receives Korean rice for refugees in Kenya, Ethiopia and Uganda – Kenya

NAIROBI – The United Nations World Food Program (WFP) on Saturday (July 21st) welcomed a historic donation of 33,000 tons of rice from the Government of the Republic of Korea. This donation will enable WFP to provide food badistance to more than 1.5 million people, mainly refugees, living in Kenya, Ethiopia and Uganda.

The 33,000-ton donation is the first gift of rice from the Korean Ministry of Agriculture. and rural affairs. During his first visit to Kenya, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Korea, HE Mr. Lee Nak-yon handed part of the shipment to WFP representatives in a warehouse in Nairobi.

"The rice provided by the Government of the Republic of Korea may not be enough to solve the whole problem of hunger, so hopefully it can help alleviate the hunger of refugees," M said. Lee Nak-yon. "I hope that a single bag of rice can help relieve the spirit of these refugees."

In Kenya, 13,000 tons of rice will enable WFP to continue to provide in-kind food badistance to the 400,000 refugees living in Dadaab and Kakuma refugee camps for at least four months starting in August . 15,000 tonnes of rice have already been shipped to Ethiopia and another 5,000 to Uganda.

"We are here today to recognize the generosity of the Government, the farmers and the people of the Republic of Korea," said Erika Joergensen, WFP Regional Director. "I really hope and believe that this is the beginning of a strong partnership between WFP and the Republic of Korea."

Cereals account for about 75% of the refugees' food basket. Each month, refugees receive cereals, legumes, vegetable oil, flour fortified with soy and corn-based nutrients, and a cash transfer from WFP to cover basic food needs.

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The United Nations World Food Program – saving lives in emergency situations and changing lives for millions through sustainable development. WFP works in more than 80 countries around the world, feeding people affected by conflict and disaster and laying the groundwork for a better future.

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For more information, please contact (e-mail address: [email protected]):
Martin KARIMI, WFP / Nairobi, Mob. +254 707 722161