Kakuma (Kenya): big delay in the distribution of rations

Over two months without refugees being supplied with food rations and cash. They speak of a worrying delay while they have not had any explanation from the UNHCR. INFO SOS Médias Burundi

In the Kakuma camp in Kenya, it is total desolation for several refugees who have not had food for more than two months. The most destitute, including Burundians, no longer know who to turn to.

“First of all, the ration itself is insufficient as what we receive to cover a month can only last barely two weeks. So, if there is a delay, it means that we will die in silence!” complained heads of households who spoke to SOS Médias Burundi.

Worse still, the quantity of this ration had been reduced for example from 6 kg to 3 kg of sorghum with 1 kg of small peas and 1 liter of cooking oil per person, they emphasize. This covers up a period of one month.

“Imagine that the delay occurred just after this reduction! So, it would seem that we have just spent three months without receiving anything!” says a Burundian refugee from the Kakuma camp.

The delay also concerns the occupants of Kalobeyei, an extension of the Kakuma camp. For the latter, the distribution of food had just been cancelled to receive a sum of 950 Kenyan shillings (about 7.3 USD) per month and per person.

In an attempt to normalize the situation before the next distribution, postponed to an unknown date, the administration of the Kakuma camp proceeded to regulate the prices of foodstuffs in the markets of the said camp.

“This alternative solution is not effective because we do not have money to face even these lowered food prices,” say refugees.

One of the first consequences that is noticeable is banditry in households, shops and fields.

“We fear the resurgence of insecurity while stability had returned. The police and the army are trying to fight against criminals but the bandits are not giving up,” say these refugees.

Local leaders called “Bloc leaders” have contacted the UNHCR to express their indignation. And the UNHCR reassures that there had been “some technical problems, about to be resolved shortly”.

Kakuma is home to more than 200,000 refugees including more than 25,000 Burundians.