Sh.1.16 billion required to feed 50,000 fleeing Ethiopia violence into Kenya

Humanitarian agencies appeal for approximately Sh1.16 billion to provide emergency assistance to those seeking safety in Moyale.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said at least 50,000 people have crossed into Kenya from Ethiopia since October 22, fleeing ongoing clashes on the Ethiopian side of the border.

UNHCR said majority of those escaping the violence include women and children and the figure remains fluid as registration and verification efforts continue, with reports indicating that more people may still be crossing into Kenya.

The developments have raised concerns about the growing humanitarian needs in Moyale, where food, safe drinking water, emergency shelter, sanitation and healthcare are urgently required to support the new arrivals.

The violence on the Ethiopian side of the border has triggered significant cross-border displacement, forcing families to leave their homes in search of security.

According to UNHCR, some of the arrivals are staying with relatives and host communities, while others have sought temporary shelter in schools and churches.

The influx is placing additional pressure on local communities and available facilities, particularly as humanitarian agencies work to establish the number of people affected and identify the most urgent needs.

Food remains the most pressing concern, with agencies warning that displaced families also require clean drinking water, shelter materials, sanitation facilities and medical services.

The lack of adequate accommodation is another challenge, especially for vulnerable groups, including children and families who have arrived without sufficient belongings.

UNHCR said it was working with the authorities and humanitarian partners to identify safer accommodation farther from the border for people fleeing the violence.

The relocation effort is intended to provide more secure living arrangements while easing pressure on temporary shelters and host communities.

UNHCR has deployed an emergency team to Moyale and is coordinating the response with the Government of Kenya through the Department of Refugee Services and county authorities.

Other organisations involved include the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the World Food Programme (WFP), the Kenya Red Cross Society and other humanitarian partners.

The agencies are conducting assessments, mobilising relief supplies and supporting efforts to identify the protection needs of the new arrivals.

UNHCR is organising emergency assistance, including essential household items and temporary shelter materials, targeting nearly 12,000 people as it works to expand support in response to the growing needs.

The wider humanitarian response is expected to cover up to 50,000 people over three months.

UNHCR, IOM, UNICEF and WFP are jointly seeking US$8.9 million, equivalent to approximately Sh1.16 billion, to provide emergency assistance to those who have fled Ethiopia into Kenya.

The proposed funding will support food distribution, shelter, water and sanitation, registration and protection services, including specialised assistance for children.

The appeal comes as humanitarian agencies seek to respond to immediate needs while preparing for the possibility of further arrivals if violence continues across the border.

Without adequate resources, meeting the needs of tens of thousands of people could become increasingly difficult, particularly in areas where essential services and accommodation are already under pressure.

The agencies are also working alongside Kenyan authorities and host communities to ensure that people arriving in search of safety can access assistance and protection.

The situation remains fluid, with registration and verification ongoing and the possibility of further crossings complicating planning.

The immediate priority is to provide food, clean water, shelter and healthcare while ensuring vulnerable people receive appropriate protection.

The response will also depend on cooperation between government agencies, humanitarian organisations and communities receiving the arrivals.