The Kenyan government is seeking diplomatic solutions to restore tea exports to Sudan after the North African country indefinitely suspended all imports from Kenya. The trade restrictions were imposed following diplomatic tensions that arose last month when Kenya hosted the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
A decree issued by Sudan’s Acting Minister of Trade and Supplies, Omar Ahmed Mohamed Ali, confirmed the import ban, effective immediately, across all entry points, including ports, crossings, and airports.
In response, Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe reassured tea stakeholders that the government is exploring diplomatic avenues to resolve the market access challenges in both Sudan and Iran. Speaking on Friday, Kagwe emphasized the importance of maintaining strong trade ties with Sudan, which remains a key importer of Kenyan tea.
According to the Tea Board of Kenya (TBK), Sudan was the 12th largest importer of Kenyan tea in the year leading to December 2024, purchasing 10.7 million kilograms valued at Ksh 2.3 billion. The sudden trade disruption poses a significant economic challenge for Kenya’s tea industry, impacting thousands of farmers and traders.
During a meeting with tea stakeholders, including the Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA), Kenya Tea Growers Association (KTGA), Independent Tea Producers (ITP), tea traders, and the East African Tea Trade Association (EATTA), the government reached a twelve-point agreement aimed at securing tea market stability and increasing farmers’ earnings.
One of the key resolutions includes stricter measures to curb green leaf malpractices such as tea hawking. Kagwe stated that all tea producers must adhere to Kenya’s green leaf quality standards, and the Tea Board of Kenya will deregister any stakeholders engaging in unauthorized tea trading.
Additionally, the government plans to establish a Tea Council to foster cooperation and collaboration across the tea value chain. Other measures include fast-tracking the appointment of representatives from large-scale tea growers and traders to the Tea Board of Kenya (TBK) and prioritizing strategies to boost farmers’ earnings.
The diplomatic standoff between Kenya and Sudan poses a significant threat to Kenya’s tea industry, but efforts are underway to ensure trade relations are restored. The government remains committed to protecting Kenya’s agricultural exports and sustaining its global tea market share.
