Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui has cautioned politicians against making utterances that can hurt Kenya’s trade relations with Sudan, pointing out that reckless statements can undermine the country’s tea exports and adversely affect farmers’ earnings.

Sudan is a major importers of Kenyan tea, fruits and vegetables.

Speaking after signing a trade agreement with his Ethiopian counterpart Kassahun Gofe under the title on Simplified Trade Regime (STR) Agreement in Mombasa, Kinyanjui said Sudan remains a critical market for Kenyan tea and unguarded political comments on foreign affairs could have far-reaching economic consequences on the economy.

“Sudan is a significant export market of our tea and larger trade relations. If our leaders continue to interfere in foreign matters, the people who will suffer the most are the farmers back in the villages,” he said.

Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui expressed concern over recent public utterances by political figures on regional conflicts, stressing the importance of maintaining Kenya’s non-partisan foreign policy in the region.

 “Kenya respects all our neighbours, including Sudan. When internal issues arise and our input is sought, we do not take sides,” Kinyanjui said, reaffirming the government’s commitment to peaceful coexistence and regional cooperation.

He further underscored the government’s efforts to strengthen infrastructure to support trade, particularly with Ethiopia. The cabinet secretary noted that the Lamu Port has the capacity to accommodate larger vessels and is strategically positioned to serve Ethiopian markets more efficiently than existing routes.

“The Lamu Port has the potential to surpass the Port of Mombasa in handling larger ships. Enhancing its operations will be mutually beneficial to both Kenya and Ethiopia,” he stated.

Kinyanjui added that the development of the Lamu-Ethiopia corridor would stimulate growth in northern Kenya, similar to how towns developed along the Mombasa-Kisumu route.

“If we invest in this corridor, northern Kenya will open up significantly and experience transformative development,” he said.

• A Tell Media / KNA report By Sitati Reagan