In 2024, the U.S. government provided $112 million to the World Food Program (WFP) for operations in Kenya but abruptly cut off funding in January, resulting in a humanitarian crisis for approximately 720,000 refugees reliant on food aid. Despite warnings from U.S. government and humanitarian officials about the potential for violence and starvation, the administration proceeded with the cuts, leading to drastic reductions in food rations. By August, nearly half of the Kakuma refugee camp's population received no food at all, while others were left with insufficient calories to survive.

The Kakuma camp, which has housed refugees since 1992, has seen a significant increase in malnutrition and related deaths, particularly among children. Reports indicate that many families faced impossible choices, with some mothers forced to choose which child to feed. The situation escalated to protests and riots, with refugees expressing desperation over their dire circumstances.

During a meeting in Nairobi, U.S. officials were presented with the stark realities of the cuts, including visual demonstrations of the inadequate food rations. However, the response from the visiting officials was reportedly indifferent, with no commitment to restore funding. The cuts have not only led to immediate suffering but also raised concerns about long-term regional stability, as the lack of aid could drive refugees into neighboring countries, exacerbating existing conflicts.

Despite the administration's claims of maintaining support for essential services, the reality on the ground reflects a significant decline in aid effectiveness. The WFP has been forced to implement severe rationing, with many families receiving only a fraction of the necessary daily caloric intake. The situation has been described as an American-made hunger crisis, with aid workers noting unprecedented levels of suffering and trauma among the refugee population.

As of September 2024, the U.S. government signed an extension for WFP's operations in Kenya, but the funding provided was significantly lower than previous years, and the distribution of food remains critically inadequate. The ongoing humanitarian crisis highlights the implications of foreign aid policy decisions and their impact on vulnerable populations.