Fight against famine: Ukraine assists Kenya with 30.000 tons of wheat
By Nukapuh P.
Despite the ongoing war in Ukraine, the government of the country has continued her humanitarian process by assisting her allies in Africa.
On Monday March 20, 2023, a total of 30.000 tons of Ukrainian wheat were shipped to Kenya through the Grain From Ukraine programme, spearheaded by President Volodymyr, with support from the UN World Food Programme, WFP, the government of the United Kingdom, Norway, Belgium and others.
The tons of wheat were received at the Mombasa port in Kenya by the Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya, Rigathi Gachagua.
According to Andriy Yermak, Head of the Ukrainian Presidential Office and Chairman of the International Coordination Group for the Prevention of Hunger, it is their wish to fight food insecurity in their allie countries in Africa.
“Ukraine has always been one of the main suppliers of wheat worldwide. Before the war, Africa imported more than $1.4 billion wheat from Ukraine. Today’s shipment to Kenya cements our ongoing commitment to tackle forced famine across Africa’s most vulnerable nations. While we continue to defend our nation against external aggression, we have not forgotten our humanitarian obligation towards our allies in time of need.”
According to Cameroonian born-Dr Christopher Fomunyoh, Senior Associate for Africa Programmes at the National Democratic Institute, USA and an Ambassador of the Grain from Ukraine humanitarian programme, climate change has led to a serious food problem in several African countries including Kenya. He added that the programme is there to assist the needy.
“Several countries across Africa, including Kenya, Nigeria, Ethiopia and Somalia, are facing the worst food crisis seen in 40 years. Global factors, such as ongoing climate change in Africa, the escalating conflict in Ukraine, inflation around the world and a surge in global food prices, have caused devastating hunger ripples worldwide.”
It was also revealed that the Grain From Ukraine programme has delivered over 140.000 tons of Ukrainian wheat to African countries since November 2022. According to some humanitarian organizations, over 4.5 million people in Kenya will likely experience food insecurity this year. Among them are about 970,200 children who may likely suffer from malnutrition.
Launched by Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine in November 2022, the “Grain from Ukraine” humanitarian programme is to ensure the safe transportation of grain and agricultural products through Ukrainian ports and prevent famine across Africa’s most vulnerable countries.
