Sudan’s Ambassador to Kenya, Kamal Gubara, speaking on on Wednesday, October 28, 2026.
By Peace Muthoka
NAIROBI, Kenya, October 28, 2026 — Kenyan tea exporters could soon regain access to the Sudanese market after Sudan’s Ambassador to Kenya, Kamal Gubara, announced that the process of lifting the ban on Kenyan tea exports had reached its final stages, raising hopes of renewed trade between the two countries.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, the ambassador said progress had been made following sustained appeals by Kenyan tea farmers, exporters and traders seeking the removal of the restrictions.
“The process of lifting the ban on Kenyan tea exports to Sudan has reached its final stages,” the statement said.
The announcement offers hope to Kenya’s tea industry, which has been seeking the reopening of the Sudanese market. However, the ambassador did not specify when the ban would officially be lifted or outline the remaining procedures.
The statement also pointed to renewed efforts to strengthen relations between Kenya and Sudan, including plans to introduce direct flights between Nairobi and Khartoum in December.
Direct Nairobi–Khartoum flights targeted for December
According to the ambassador, Jubba Airways plans to launch direct flights from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi to Khartoum International Airport during the first week of December 2026.
The proposed service is expected to operate twice a week, subject to operational arrangements and the finalisation of the flight schedule.
Gubara said the planned connection would ease travel between the two countries by reducing journey times and improving access for businesspeople, traders and other travellers.
The flights are also expected to support trade, tourism, family visits and people-to-people relations, according to the statement.
The proposed route comes as the two countries seek to strengthen economic and diplomatic ties. However, the launch remains subject to the completion of the necessary arrangements.
Sudan calls for accountability over El Fasher atrocities
The ambassador’s statement also marked the first anniversary of the Rapid Support Forces’ (RSF) takeover of El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, while calling for international action over reported atrocities against civilians.
According to the statement, the RSF stormed the city on October 26, 2025, following an 18-month siege that left residents facing shortages of food, medicine and other essential supplies.
The Sudanese government accused the RSF of committing serious abuses during and after the takeover, including mass killings, attacks on patients in hospitals, rape and other forms of sexual violence.
Citing the UN Human Rights Office, the statement reported that more than 6,000 people were killed during the first three days of the RSF’s final offensive.
The government called on the international community to pursue accountability for the reported violations, protect civilians and facilitate humanitarian assistance to affected populations.
It also paid tribute to those killed and expressed concern over the suffering experienced by residents of El Fasher.
The allegations and casualty figures were presented in the ambassador’s statement.
Renewed focus on Kenya–Sudan relations
The announcements on tea exports and direct flights highlight areas in which Kenya and Sudan could deepen their economic and diplomatic engagement.
If the tea export restrictions are formally lifted, Kenyan exporters could regain access to the Sudanese market. Meanwhile, the proposed direct flights could improve connectivity for traders, businesspeople and families travelling between the two countries.
Although neither development has been fully completed, Gubara’s statement signals progress towards closer cooperation, with the next steps depending on the formal lifting of the export ban and the finalisation of aviation arrangements.
