In a devastating turn of events, refugee children in Kenya are facing imminent starvation as critical aid cuts halt life-saving food supplies. With nearly 800,000 refugees relying on dwindling resources, the situation in Kakuma is dire. The International Rescue Committee, which has provided essential nutritional support, has been forced to suspend its programs due to funding reductions primarily from the U.S.

Children like Makor Qual, who is recovering from cholera, are not only battling illness but also severe malnutrition. Health workers report an alarming surge in mortality rates, with hospitals overwhelmed and unable to identify malnutrition cases promptly. Mothers lament the meager rations of rice, lentils, and cooking oil that fail to provide balanced meals for their families. “We only get rice, lentils, and cooking oil,” one mother said, emphasizing the desperate need for more diverse food options.

The World Food Program has resorted to sourcing alternatives, but supplies are critically low. Recent shipments from South Korea have barely scratched the surface of the needs, with aid workers forced to prioritize the most vulnerable—almost everyone. The last food distribution in June met only 30% of the requirements, marking the lowest level of aid ever provided to refugees in this region.

Families are on the brink of collapse; one mother, Manga Manga, who feeds 17 members of her family, faces a further 10% cut in her already insufficient rations. “Without aid, we will starve,” she said, her voice heavy with despair. As the situation escalates, the lives of countless children hang in the balance. Urgent action is needed now to avert a humanitarian catastrophe in Kakuma.