Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has appealed to the Government of Sudan to lift its ban on Kenyan tea imports.
The former vice president made the request on Thursday, August 6, after visiting the Sudanese Embassy in Nairobi.
Kalonzo explained that the restriction has dealt a significant blow to Kenya’s tea industry and thousands of farmers who depend on the crop for their livelihoods.
“This morning, I visited the Embassy of the Republic of Sudan in Nairobi to personally present a plea to the Government of Sudan for the lifting of the ban on Kenyan tea imports,” Kalonzo said.
The ban, which came into effect in March 2025, followed a deterioration in diplomatic relations between Kenya and Sudan.
According to Kalonzo, Sudan has traditionally been one of Kenya’s top five export markets for tea, importing approximately 35 million kilogrammes of Kenyan tea worth about US$70 million annually.
He noted that when the ban took effect, tea valued at more than US$24 million was already in transit or awaiting shipment, including 207 forty-foot containers stranded at the Port of Mombasa.
“Sudan has long been one of Kenya’s top five tea export destinations, purchasing approximately 35 million kilogrammes of Kenyan tea valued at around US$70 million annually.
“When the ban took effect, tea worth more than US$24 million was already in transit or awaiting shipment, including 207 forty-foot containers that were stranded at the Port of Mombasa,” Kalonzo said.
The Wiper leader explained that the tea cannot easily be redirected to alternative markets because it was specifically processed to meet Sudanese consumer preferences.
Kalonzo called on the Sudanese government to reconsider its decision, expressing hope that the two countries could restore normal trade relations for the benefit of both nations.
“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 added.
