The East African Trade Association (EATA) has urged President William Ruto to engage Sudanese authorities and negotiate a temporary allowance for the clearance of tea shipments currently in transit. This follows Sudan’s decision to suspend all imports from Kenya, citing diplomatic tensions over Kenya’s engagement with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
The trade association warned that the abrupt ban has left large quantities of tea stuck in Mombasa warehouses, on ships at sea, and at Sudanese ports, putting farmers and exporters at financial risk. With Kenya controlling the majority of tea traded through Mombasa, EATA cautioned that the suspension could have severe economic consequences beyond the country.
Exporters are calling for a one-month grace period to enable fulfillment of existing contracts and prevent significant losses for producers, traders, and farmers. Sudan, a key consumer of Kenyan tea, imposed the restrictions through an official notice, blocking tea imports via ports, rail, and air. The move is seen as retaliation for Kenya’s stance on the ongoing Sudan conflict.