The lifting of the restriction ends a trade disruption that began in March 2025, when Sudan suspended imports from Kenya following diplomatic tensions between the two countries.
Khartoum imposed the ban after Kenya hosted leaders of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group involved in Sudan's ongoing conflict with the Sudanese Armed Forces. Sudan accused Nairobi of interfering in its internal affairs, while Kenya maintained its position on regional diplomatic engagement.
The reopening followed diplomatic engagements between Kenyan and Sudanese officials. President William Ruto announced the breakthrough on November 11, 2026, following discussions with Sudanese Prime Minister Kamil Idris on the sidelines of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) summit in Harare, Zimbabwe.
In welcoming the decision, Ruto said it would restore opportunities for Kenyan exporters and support farmers and their families.
The restrictions significantly affected Kenya's tea industry, with exporters losing access to an important destination for their products.
According to the Tea Board of Kenya, tea export volumes to Sudan declined during the restrictions, while export earnings also fell. The disruption left shipments stranded and forced traders to seek alternative markets.
The East African reported that more than 3.44 million kilograms of Kenyan tea, valued at over Sh1.34 billion, remained in Mombasa warehouses by August 2026.
Although the lifting of the ban restores formal market access, Sudan has not yet announced the expected volume of new imports or when the first shipments will resume.
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