The Sudanese Embassy in Nairobi has now dismissed claims by President William Ruto that Kenyan products, including tea, are still being imported into Sudan despite the suspension.

In a statement Tuesday, the embassy asserted that the ban imposed by Sudan’s Ministry of Trade and Supply on March 11 remains in full effect, with no Kenyan goods entering the country.  

“The Embassy of the Republic of Sudan in Nairobi wishes to clarify Sudan’s trade policy concerning imports from Kenya. On March 11, 2025, Sudan’s Ministry of Trade and Supply issued a decree suspending all imports from Kenya in line with Sudan’s national interest. The decision has been fully implemented, and since then, no Kenyan products, including Kenyan tea, have been imported into Sudan,” read the statement.  

The response follows remarks by President William Ruto on Monday evening, suggesting that exports to Sudan were still ongoing despite the ban. 

“By the way, we are selling tea to Sudan, even after they said they are not buying our tea. The market itself has forced them. We sell tea today to Sudan, so there is no issue, and that is why we are making money in the tea sector,” claimed Ruto.

However, the Sudanese Embassy dismissed his remark as “unfounded and inaccurate,” noting its commitment to upholding the trade suspension as part of its economic and diplomatic strategy.  

Sudan’s decision to halt Kenyan imports stems from Nairobi’s move to host leaders of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group engaged in conflict with the Sudanese government.

But, Kenya defended  its role, stating that hosting the meetings was an effort to find solutions to end the war in Sudan without any ulterior motives. 

The trade suspension marked a significant shift in the traditionally strong economic ties between Kenya and Sudan. 

Kenya has been a key trading partner, exporting a range of goods, with tea being the most significant, followed by coffee, tobacco, soaps, electrical equipment, and pharmaceuticals.