KENYA’S President, William Ruto, revealed a significant step in addressing East Africa’s pressing food shortage crisis during discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the 78th UN General Assembly in New York. President Ruto announced that Ukraine would establish a grain hub in Kenya, specifically in the Port of Mombasa, to bolster food security in the region.
In his statement, Ruto highlighted, ‘I held talks with Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy, who committed to establishing a grain hub in the Port of Mombasa to address a food shortage in East Africa.’ Ukraine’s renowned expertise in grain production positions it as a pivotal player in bolstering food security across East Africa.
This partnership responds to the ongoing food scarcity crisis in East Africa, exacerbated by factors such as climate change, political instability, and disruptions in global supply chains. The grain hub in the Port of Mombasa is anticipated to streamline grain importation and distribution, ensuring a more stable and dependable food supply for East African nations.
The urgency of this initiative is further emphasised by recent developments in Ukraine. Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, global grain markets have experienced shortages, placing significant strain on regions that rely on Ukrainian grain for sustenance.
President Ruto also voiced Kenya’s commitment to advocating for a peaceful resolution to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, underscoring the need for stability, relief from suffering, and the preservation of property in the affected regions.
Communities in the Horn of Africa, including Kenya, Somalia, and Ethiopia, are grappling with the most severe drought in decades, affecting millions. This partnership between Kenya and Ukraine is a crucial step towards alleviating the food shortage crisis and enhancing food security in the region.