Kenya is set to receive a Ksh647 million boost from the Republic of Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) to improve food security in arid and semi-arid regions.
The donation was made through the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), with the funds set to cushion Kenyan farmers from the possible effects of adverse weather.
The weatherman anticipates below-normal rainfall for the upcoming long rains, prompting the need for early preparations for possible drought and, incidentally, floods.
Confirming the donation, Lauren Landis, WFP’s Country Director in Kenya, said the project was aimed at equipping Kenyan farmers, particularly in the dry regions of the country, with resources to build sustainable livelihoods.
“The Republic of Korea’s commitment to supporting vulnerable families in Kenya is commendable,” she said, adding, "This contribution comes at a time when people in arid and semi-arid areas face the risk of both droughts and floods, exacerbating food insecurity and increasing humanitarian needs."
Among those set to benefit from the project are farmers, pastoralists, women, and youth, with the WFP estimating that 158,000 individuals will directly reap the benefits of the donation.
The donation will focus on counties such as Samburu, Mandera, Tana River, Turkana, and Baringo. These regions, in particular, stand to benefit from early warning systems that will deliver accurate and timely weather forecasts, helping local communities better prepare for unprecedented weather conditions.
Republic of Korea’s Deputy Ambassador to Kenya, Nam Sangkyoo, provided more details about the project, saying it was meant to break the cycle of food insecurity while simultaneously restoring degraded ecosystems and creating more economic opportunities.
“By partnering with WFP, we are empowering communities to break the cycle of crises and build a future where they can thrive,” he said.
South Korea has maintained a close relationship with Kenya in terms of development across various sectors. From a humanitarian standpoint, the Asian nation donated 21,000 metric tonnes of rice, valued at Ksh1 billion, to Kenya to boost food security for 565,000 refugees and schoolchildren in Kenya's Dadaab and Kakuma camps.
In August 2024, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), in partnership with South Korea, also delivered life-saving assistance to migrants and communities affected by climate-induced disasters.
Earlier, in February, South Korea donated six retired McDonnell Douglas MD 500 Defender helicopters
