Thousands of refugees at Kakuma Refugee Camp on Monday March 3, 2025 took to the streets in protest, demanding urgent action over severe food and water shortage.
The demonstrations follow recent reductions in humanitarian aid, largely due to funding cuts from the United States, a key donor to refugee programs in Kenya.
According to residents, conditions in the camp have deteriorated significantly, with many struggling to access basic necessities.
“We have gone for days without enough food, and now water is also becoming scarce. People are suffering, and no one seems to be listening,” said Rita Namrembe.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the World Food Programme (WFP), which oversee aid distribution in Kakuma, had previously warned that financial constraints could force them to scale down operations.
In recent months, food rations have been significantly reduced, exacerbating hardship in the camp.
Growing Tensions and Insecurity
The budget cuts have not only led to hunger but have also contributed to rising insecurity within the camp.
As resources dwindle, competition for food and water has intensified, sparking tensions among refugees and between refugee and host communities.
Reports indicate that some residents have resorted to desperate measures, including protests and blocking main roads to attract the attention of local authorities and humanitarian agencies.
Local leaders and refugee representatives have urged the Kenyan government and international donors to intervene before the crisis worsens.
Some have also called for better integration policies to enable refugees to work and sustain themselves rather than relying entirely on aid.
Uncertain Future
The funding cuts come amid a broader trend of declining international support for refugee programs, with donor fatigue and shifting geopolitical priorities reducing aid availability.
While humanitarian organizations are seeking alternative funding sources, there are concerns that without immediate action, the situation in Kakuma could spiral further out of control.
UNHCR and WFP are yet to release an official response to the protests, but local humanitarian groups warn that if no urgent action is taken, more unrest could follow in the coming weeks.
