Kenya: UN Special Fund Releases $16.5 Million to Fight Hunger, Refugee Crisis
By Zachary Ochieng
NAIROBI---In the wake of biting hunger in parts of the country and an influx of refugees from the war-torn and drought ravaged Somalia, the UN Central Emergency Response Fund has released $13.5 million to mitigate the hunger situation in Kenya and a further $3million to support the refugee response.
In his remarks at a joint UN press conference held today at Nairobi’s Stanley Hotel, UN Humanitarian and Resident Coordinator Aeneas Chuma said the urban poor will also benefit from the funds.
“The recent increase in food and fuel prices has made it difficult for many families in urban centres to meet their basic needs including having a decent meal. Through this funding, the UN agencies in Kenya will assist the poor and vulnerable in urban areas.
According to Chuma, the funding is also expected to address food security, nutrition and health concerns in marginal agriculture areas in South-Central Kenya districts where drought conditions are expected to worsen in the next few months. Notably, Kenya stares a hunger crisis in the face, with 3.5 million people projected to need food assistance in August, up from 2.4 million in July.
Chuma noted that the crisis has further fuelled resources conflict among the pastoral communities, with 76 people having been killed in June following incidents of cattle rustling in the affected areas. Besides, the prolonged drought in the Horn of Africa has led to an increased influx of refugees into Kenya. Between June 6 and July 20, 57,000 new refugees arrived at the Daadab camp, the largest refugee camp in the world. On average, the camp receives 1500 refugees according to UNHCR Country Representative Elike Segbor. The refugee influx has raised serious public health concerns for the refugee population and the host community.
“These refugees live in deplorable conditions, often in flood-prone areas in the outskirts of the camp as they await registration”, said Segbor. However, he added that the refugee agency is currently relocating some of the new arrivals to the recently opened Ifo II camp.