Kenya–Sudan relations
Bilateral relations
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Kenya–Sudan relations are the bilateral relations between the Republic of Kenya and the Republic of the Sudan.
Historical relations
Kenya and Sudan's relationship has never been one of direct rivalry or close partnership, it has been more complicated, shaped by civil wars, shifting alliances, and Kenya's recurring role as the region quiet fixer. For most of the 20th century, the two countries maintained polite but limited ties. What complicated things was Sudan's internal affairs. The back to back civil wars, the first running from 1955 to 1972, the second from 1983 to 2005, which sent southern Sudanese refugees into Kenya, pulling Nairobi into the conflict as a neutral ground for talks between Khartoum and southern rebel groups.[1][2]
The 1990s added another layer of friction. Sudan under Omar al-Bashir was increasingly linked to Islamist militant networks in the region, while Kenya was moving more towards Western and Eastern African diplomatic frameworks. The two countries didn't openly clash, but the ideological distance was real and growing.[3][4] Kenya's most consequential moment came through IGAD, the regional bloc, where Kenyan diplomats helped stitch together the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement. The agreement that set South Sudan reaching independence six years later. It was a significant achievement that cemented Kenya's reputation as a mediator rather than a power player.[5]
After South Sudan broke away in 2011, Kenya's relationship with Sudan shifted again, this time towards economics, trade corridors, infrastructure links, oil transit. When Bashir was ousted in 2019, Kenya backed the international push to stabilize the country through its transition. [6][7]
The 2023 war between Sudan's regular army the Rapid Support Forces has ended much of that. Refugee flows has surged again, regional alliances have redrawn, and Kenya finds itself once more watching Sudan's crisis from an uncomfortably close range.[8][9][10]
Military relations
Kenya played a crucial role in Sudanese peace efforts, hosting negotiations that led to the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement, which contributed to the formation of South Sudan in 2011.[11][12]
Investigations by research groups have found ammunition crates labeled with the Kenyan Ministry of Defense in areas previously controlled by the RSF in Khartoum.[13] Upon this discovery, the Sudanese government officially accused Kenya of being a "main conduit" for Emirati military supplies. Both the UAE and Kenya have consistently and vehemently denied all claims, with Kenya stating the allegations were "false and misleading", and the UAE has dismissed the evidence as "lies, disinformation and propaganda," while also accusing Khartoum of making the claims up as a publicity stunt to evade recognition for its own actions.[14]
In March 2025, Sudan's military government cut off all Kenyan imports after Nairobi hosted talks involving the RSF and its political allies. Khartoum accused Kenya undermining Sudanese sovereignty and supporting efforts to establish a rival government.[15][16][17]
As of 2026 the relations between both countries are at a low point, following the Sudanese civil war. Sudan's military government accuses Kenya of supporting the RSF.[18][19]
Political relations
In 2010, Sudanese leader Omar al-Bashir returned from a visit to Nairobi, although the ICC had issued a warrant for his arrest. In November 2011, a Kenyan court issued its own arrest warrant to Al-Bashir if he were to enter Kenya again. This led to diplomatic tension between both countries.[20]
Additionally, Sudan and Kenya have been part of the talks aimed at ending the civil war in South Sudan.[21]
In early 2024, Sudan recalled its ambassador to Kenya and accused Nairobi of supporting a parallel government for the RSF. Kenya defended its stance, arguing that its actions were aimed at promoting peace.[22]
Under President William Ruto, Kenya has been accused of siding with Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces in the ongoing conflict against the Sudanese Armed Forces. In February 2025, Nairobi hosted RSF-aligned politicians for discussions on forming a parallel government, prompting Sudan to recall its ambassador and label Kenya a "rogue state."[12]
Economic relations
Kenya's strengthening ties with the United Arab Emirates, a country suspected of supporting the RSF, have added to economic friction with Sudan.[12]
In response to Kenya’s hosting of the Sudanese RSF, Sudan imposed a Kenyan import ban in February 2024, significantly impacting Kenya’s exports and economic stability. The conflict, which began in April 2023, has already led to a 12% drop in tea exports.[22]