Concern raised over worsening conditions for refugees in Kenya

Refugees being hosted in several camps in Kenya are facing heightened levels of food insecurity with nearly 720,000 refugees expected to receive only 28 percent of their required food rations. All cash assistance is also expected to halt from June onward unless emergency funding is secured, the UN World Food Programme warned on Thursday.

In a statement issued from Kenya's capital Nairobi, the WFP said that while they have continued to receive support from different donors, they are finding it increasingly difficult to cope with the ever-increasing number of refugees.

WFP figures indicate that Kenya has witnessed an overwhelming increase in refugees over the past five years, with the numbers rising by over 70 percent from around 500,000 to 843,000. This is a result of people fleeing conflict and drought in neighbouring countries such as Somalia and South Sudan.

Baimankay Sankoh, WFP's deputy country director in Kenya, said that they have repeatedly adjusted ration sizes to align with available funds, with the latest reduction in February giving refugees 40 percent of a full food ration.

"WFP's operations supporting refugees in Kenya are under immense strain. With available resources stretched to their limits, we have had to make the difficult decision to again reduce food assistance. This will have a serious impact on vulnerable refugees, increasing the risk of hunger and malnutrition," Sankoh said.

Antony Wesonga, a director at the Refugee Commission of Kenya, said there is a need to actively pursue durable solutions for refugees. This includes promoting peace in the conflict-ridden regions from which the refugees flee.

Noting that funding challenges will always occur, Wesonga said that durable solutions in the form of local integration must also be explored, particularly for refugees with professional skills that can contribute significantly to the local society and economy.

According to the WFP, $44 million is urgently needed to fully restore food rations and resume cash transfers for refugees through August.