Kenya stands to lose a key export market if it continues to take sides in the Sudan war. The consequences are already visible.
Sudan has imposed an import ban on Kenyan goods, with tea traders now facing losses of over Sh21.5 million. More than 200 containers of tea sit idle at the Mombasa port, unable to reach their intended buyers.
Sudan is one of Kenya’s largest tea markets. The embargo not only affects exporters but also trickles down to farmers, producers and the entire tea supply chain.
The ban, imposed in response to Kenya’s decision to host Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, signals that our diplomatic stance has real economic costs. It is crucial for the Kenyan government to act swiftly.
Engaging Sudan to resolve this dispute should be a priority. The government must ensure that already-shipped tea is cleared and prevent further losses for farmers and exporters.
Tea remains one of the country’s top foreign exchange earners, and Sudan is among its top five buyers.
A prolonged standoff could push Sudanese buyers to seek alternative suppliers, weakening Kenya’s position in the global tea market.
Foreign policy should be guided by pragmatism, not politics. If Kenya continues to pick sides in Sudan’s war, it risks losing more than just diplomatic goodwill—it risks the livelihoods of thousands of farmers.
The government must put Kenya’s economic interests first.
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Quote of the day: “Government is an
institution which prevents injustice other
than such as it commits itself.” —North
African Islamic scholar, philosopher and
historian Ibn Khaldun died on March 17, 1406.
