Dire Impact: Food Rations Cut in Half at One of Africa’s Largest Refugee Camps Following US Aid Reductions

KAKUMA, Kenya — Martin Komol looks over his crumbling home. It’s a mud-walled house that stands precariously in a camp for refugees. He’s among 300,000 people in Kakuma struggling with severe food shortages.

Since the United States cut funding for the U.N. World Food Program, many refugees, including Komol, are left with far fewer resources. This reduction started earlier this year when the Trump administration paused foreign aid, leading to a significant decrease in support for the very people who need it most.

Komol, a widowed father of five from Uganda, often relies on the kindness of his neighbors. He currently survives on just one meal a day, sometimes stretching it to every other day. “When we can’t get help, we get sick,” he explains. “But when we go to the hospital, they say it’s just hunger and send us home.” His reluctance to return to Uganda shows the deep ties he has built in Kakuma.

Food rations have been cut in half. Previously, refugees received 9 kilograms (20 pounds) of rice each month, but now it’s down to just 3 kilograms—far below what the U.N. recommends for healthy living. Each refugee now also receives 1 kilogram of lentils and 500 milliliters of cooking oil per month. Colin Buleti, who leads the WFP in Kakuma, warns that without new funding, only the most vulnerable will receive help moving forward.

The lack of resources is alarming, especially for children. The already stressed health services struggle to accommodate the sharp increase in children suffering from malnutrition. In one hospital, the monthly admissions for malnutrition cases have nearly tripled. Some children arrive too late for treatment, leading to heartbreaking outcomes. “We fear that the situation will only worsen,” says nutrition officer Sammy Nyang’a.

Parents like Susan Martine, a mother of three from South Sudan, worry daily about their children. While her older kids receive at least one hot meal at school, the pressure on the World Food Program’s feeding initiative is mounting. Losing access to nutritious meals puts everyone at risk.

Local businesses are feeling the crunch, too. Chol Jook, an entrepreneur, used to make around 700,000 Kenyan shillings ($5,400) a month thanks to WFP cash transfer programs. Now, his sales are tumbling, and many in his community might soon find themselves in debt, scrambling to buy food on credit.

The situation in Kakuma reflects a broader issue. Worldwide, humanitarian funding is declining while needs grow. According to a recent report from the U.N., global humanitarian financing fell by 25% last year. This trend places immense pressure on already vulnerable communities across the globe. As experienced aid workers have noted, without immediate action, more lives could be at stake in places like Kakuma and beyond.

As this crisis unfolds, it’s vital to keep conversations alive and explore solutions. The well-being of refugees like Martin Komol and families in his community hangs in the balance. They are not just statistics but individuals with hopes, dreams, and a fundamental right to basic necessities.

For more insights and updates on Africa and global development, visit [AP Africa Pulse](https://apnews.com/hub/africa-pulse).

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