Kalonzo urges Sudan gov't to lift ban on Kenya's imports

Following a meeting with Sudan's Ambassador to Kenya, Kamal Gubara, Kalonzo emphasised Sudan's pivotal role in purchasing approximately 35 million kilogrammes of Kenyan tea valued at around Ksh.9 billion annually and emerging among Kenya's top five tea export destinations. 

He cited that when the ban occurred, tea worth more than Ksh.3 billion was already in transit or awaiting shipment, including 207 forty-foot containers that were stranded at the Port of Mombasa.

"To date, over 3.44 million kilogrammes of tea, valued at more than US$10.3 million, remains in warehouses in Mombasa after being specially blended and branded for the Sudanese market," he stated. 

"These teas cannot easily be redirected to other markets, leading to substantial losses for exporters, depressing auction prices, and ultimately reducing the earnings of Kenyan tea farmers."

He noted that restoring access to the Sudanese market would help protect livelihoods, support thousands of tea farmers, and preserve the bilateral ties between Sudan and Kenya. 

"I remain hopeful that our discussions will contribute to a positive resolution that benefits both Kenya and Sudan."

In March 2025, Sudan suspended all imports from Kenya indefinitely for hosting the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) group and subsequently escalating tensions in the country after they signed a founding charter to form a parallel government in Sudan.

According to the Sudanese government, Kenya's decision to facilitate RSF's activities spelled regional consequences. 

The Sudanese government and RSF Forces have been at loggerheads for control of the State since April 2023 in a war that has claimed thousands of lives. 

The war plunged the country into chaos, with the Sudanese army now controlling the Eastern and Northern regions while the RSF dominating the Western and larger parts of the South.