President William Ruto has assured Kenyan stakeholders that trade relations between Kenya and Sudan remain robust, particularly in the tea sector, despite Sudan’s recent ban on Kenyan exports. Speaking during a joint media interview on Monday evening, Ruto emphasized that Kenya continues to profit from tea exports to Sudan, reinforcing the resilience of Kenya’s agricultural sector amid regional tensions.
In March 2025, Sudan’s government imposed a sweeping ban on the importation of Kenyan products, including tea. The ban, announced by Sudan’s Ministry of Trade and Supply, was linked to political tensions between the two nations, following accusations that Kenya was harboring members of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia, which has been accused of destabilizing Sudan. The directive suspended the import of all Kenyan products into Sudan, effective immediately.
Despite this, President Ruto confidently stated that Kenya’s tea exports to Sudan are still ongoing. “We are selling tea to Sudan, even after they said they are not buying our tea. The market itself has forced them,” Ruto remarked, highlighting the persistent demand for Kenyan tea in Sudan. According to the President, Sudan’s reliance on Kenyan tea has ensured that trade in the commodity continues, underscoring the strategic importance of Kenya’s tea sector.
Ruto dismissed concerns that the ban on Kenyan exports had severely affected the economy, particularly the tea industry. He reassured the public that Kenya is still making significant profits from tea sales to Sudan, despite the political backdrop. “There is no issue about selling tea, and that is why we are making money in the tea sector,” he added.
The Sudanese government’s move to impose the import ban followed accusations of Kenya’s involvement with the RSF, with Sudan’s Sovereign Council asserting that Kenya’s actions threatened Sudan’s sovereignty and national security. Nevertheless, the President’s statement reassures Kenyan farmers and stakeholders that Kenya’s trade in tea with Sudan will continue to thrive, despite the political challenges.
