Kenya’s agricultural sector is facing serious disruptions due to the ongoing Iran war, Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has revealed.
The conflict in the Middle East is affecting key export markets and trade routes, causing Kenyan farmers and exporters to lose an estimated Sh300 million every week in revenue.
According to CS Kagwe, the instability has particularly impacted Kenya’s tea, meat, and horticultural exports.
Agriculture CS Mutahi Kagwe Warns Iran Conflict Is Disrupting Kenya’s Sh300M Weekly Agricultural Exports. Photo: Courtesy.
Iran, one of the country’s major buyers, has historically imported large quantities of Kenyan tea and other agricultural products.
The ongoing conflict has led to airspace restrictions, increased freight costs, and delays in shipments, forcing exporters to absorb higher operational expenses.
Industry analysts note that Kenya’s export-dependent economy is vulnerable to prolonged instability in the region.
While some exporters are diversifying into other markets, the disruption of traditional trade links with the Gulf region threatens to reduce Kenya’s competitiveness and delay deliveries of perishable goods.
Tea exporters are among the hardest hit, with unsold stock accumulating due to halted shipments.
Meat and horticultural producers face similar challenges, as flights to key Middle East markets remain grounded amid the conflict.
CS Kagwe stressed that restoring stable trade routes and resolving uncertainties caused by the Iran war are critical to protecting Kenya’s Sh300 million weekly agricultural export revenue and ensuring continued growth in the sector.
