Struggling Refugees: Food Cuts and Overcrowded Safe Houses in Nairobi

Refugees from Kakuma, notably LGBTQ+ individuals, face dire situations due to reduced aid. With food rations slashed and overcrowding in Nairobi's safe houses, they endure hunger, security issues, and poor living conditions. Efforts to improve shelter and aid are hindered by funding cuts following U.S. policy changes.

NAIROBI—International aid cuts have slashed food rations for refugees, notably affecting Kakuma and Dadaab camps in Kenya. LGBTQ+ refugees, targeted for their identity, fled to overcrowded Nairobi safe houses. Aid reduction followed U.S. foreign aid budget cuts, leading to rising hunger and insecurity fears.

Crowded shelters in Nairobi struggle under pressure, accommodating more than their capacity. With limited resources, residents face compromised privacy, poor sanitation, and increased health risks. Organizations like Queers of Kakuma are overwhelmed, seeking emergency funds to address these crises.

Amidst dire conditions, safe house residents, notably trans men, have reported assaults. Refugees resort to local work due to inadequate shelter resources. Calls for increased funding are urgent, as ongoing aid shortfalls mirror the challenges faced by vulnerable refugee communities.