Kenya is one of many countries in Sub-Saharan Africa currently experiencing one of the most alarming food crises in decades.
The Ukrainian Government has donated no fewer than 30,000 metric tonnes of wheat to families and residents affected by famine and drought in Kenya.
This project is part of the humanitarian "Grain from Ukraine" (GfU) programme started by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
This shipment, which was supported by the UN World Food Program (WFP) thanks to financial assistance from the governments of several nations including the United Kingdom, Norway, Belgium, Netherlands, Switzerland, Italy, Slovenia, and the Czech Republic, was made possible.
Commenting on this, Andriy Yermak – Head of the Ukrainian Presidential Office and Chairman of the International Coordination Group for the Prevention of Hunger said, “This shipment to Kenya cements our commitment to tackling forced famine across Africa’s most vulnerable nations. While we defend our nation against external aggression, we have not forgotten our humanitarian obligation towards our allies in need.”
The International Coordination Group for Prevention of Hunger which supports the Grain From Ukraine program of the President of Ukraine tweeted on Monday, “We are proud to announce the successful shipment of 30,000 tons of grain to Mombasa, Kenya. Thanks to the @GrainfromUA humanitarian initiative of @ZelenskyyUa and @Ukraine, over 140,000 tons of Ukrainian wheat has been donated so far to African nations.”
Reacting to the tweet, President Zelenskyy tweeted, “30,000 tons of 🇺🇦 wheat arrived in Kenya as part of the Grain from Ukraine humanitarian program. Program's ambassador Dr. @ChrisFomunyoh took part in the cargo receiving ceremony. “Despite Russian aggression, we won’t give up our participation in overcoming global challenges.”
Kenya is one of many countries in Sub-Saharan Africa currently experiencing one of the most alarming food crises in decades. Severe drought, due to the failure of four consecutive rainy seasons, means millions of people in the country are facing hunger and thirst.
Additionally, it is predicted that in 2023, 970,200 children will experience acute malnutrition.
The GrainFromUkraine (GfU) initiative was introduced by President Zelenskyy in November 2022 to assist nations affected by the current global food crisis.
The programme has shipped more than 140,000 tons of Ukrainian wheat to countries in Africa that are experiencing food shortages since it was first implemented.