For over 30 years, refugees in camps across Kenya have received consistent support in the form of food, healthcare, shelter, and education.
They also benefit from monthly cash transfers and access to legal and protection services.
In earlier years, some Kenyan residents in the northeastern region registered in the refugee database to gain access to these services.
However, following the inauguration of the new US administration, the situation has shifted dramatically.
Dadaab town in Garissa County, once a hub of activity with red number-plated Land Cruisers frequently escorted by Special Operations Group police units, now appears significantly quieter. Business activity has declined, and the streets show little movement.
Approximately 15 kilometres from the town, Ifo 2 refugee camp currently hosts groups of refugees holding placards, appealing to international humanitarian organisations for renewed support.
Refugees in the camp receive food rations through the World Food Programme (WFP), which depends heavily on international donor contributions. Recently, WFP announced it can now only provide 40 percent of the previously supplied minimum food rations.
Organisations such as the UNHCR and WFP have long relied on funding from USAID, whose annual budget—over $43 billion—accounts for more than 40 percent of the world’s humanitarian aid.
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Mohamed Abdille, a long-time resident of Ifo 2, stated that the funding cuts have severely affected daily life.
“I’ve been a refugee for 33 years. This is the only home I know. The recent changes have left many of us stressed and uncertain about the future,” he said.
“Despite earlier challenges, life was manageable. But now, basic necessities like food, water, and healthcare are difficult to access. Food rations have been reduced, and many lack access to proper medical care due to shortages of medicine,” he added.
The resulting conditions have led to disease outbreaks and increased malnutrition. Abdille warned that the situation could worsen without immediate intervention.
Siyad Tawane, another refugee, noted that several health facilities are nearing closure due to the USAID funding freeze.
“Humanitarian services are paralysed. Children are missing school because there are no teachers. Health centres may soon shut down. Our lives have been turned upside down,” said Tawane.
He made a strong appeal to the international community to restore funding or seek alternative donors to sustain the supply of food, water, and healthcare—basic human necessities.
Leylah Abdirahman, chairlady of Ifo 2 and a mother of eight, said that food and healthcare are the most severely affected sectors and urged both the Kenyan government and international partners to intervene urgently.
Last month, a 28-year-old woman died in a stampede at the camp during a scramble for food.
In Turkana County, similar shortages have triggered protests and social unrest at Kakuma refugee camp, resulting in injuries to several refugees.
According to UNHCR data, the Dadaab refugee complex currently hosts approximately 500,000 registered refugees and asylum seekers across four camps: Dagahaley, Hagadera, Ifo, and Ifo 2—making it one of the largest refugee settlements globally.
– By Erick Kyalo, KNA
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