The diplomatic tensions between Kenya and Sudan are now having direct consequences for Kenyan citizens, particularly those working in Sudan.
A Kenyan expatriate employed by an international organisation in the country has reported difficulties in obtaining a visa, raising concerns that Sudanese authorities may be deliberately delaying approvals for Kenyan applicants.
According to the source, three Kenyan employees, including the one who spoke out, were scheduled to travel alongside colleagues from the United States, Yemen, Somalia, and Romania.
While the four non-Kenyan employees successfully completed their visa processing, the Kenyan applicants were told to wait indefinitely without further explanation.
This development has sparked concern that the deteriorating relationship between Nairobi and Khartoum is beginning to affect professional opportunities for Kenyan nationals.
The source warned that if such barriers persist, international employers operating in Sudan may become reluctant to hire Kenyans, fearing complications in obtaining work permits and travel clearances.
The issue arises amid strained diplomatic relations between the two nations, following the controversial visit by Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) officials to Nairobi.
The Kenyan government has faced criticism for allowing the RSF delegation to hold discussions in Nairobi, prompting a strong reaction from Sudan’s Foreign Ministry, which accused Kenya of engaging with a militia group that is currently at war with the Sudanese army.
“I am an expatriate working in Sudan with one of the international organisations. There are three Kenyans in our organisation, and we were scheduled to travel next week with four colleagues from other nationalities, including the USA, Yemen, Somalia, and Romania.
“While our four colleagues have successfully processed their visas, the three of us Kenyan citizens were told to wait without further clarification.
“This situation is concerning, as it appears that President Ruto’s administration is jeopardising the opportunities for Kenyans working in Sudan. If this continues, employers may hesitate to hire Kenyans in the future, knowing that visa processing is a significant challenge,” sources revealed to blogger Cyprian Nyakundi.
Kenya’s Foreign Policy Lens: What’s at Stake on the Sudan Crisis?
Kenya’s foreign policy, historically rooted in fostering regional stability and economic partnerships, is under scrutiny here. Per Kenyan foreign policy insights, Nairobi often positions itself as a neutral mediator—think of its role in IGAD talks or hosting peace processes. But cosying up to the RSF, led by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti), looks like a gamble.
President Ruto’s administration might see gains in elevating Kenya’s influence—perhaps eyeing economic ties with RSF-controlled gold mines in Darfur or a bigger seat at the Sudan peace table.
The UAE, an RSF backer, could be a silent partner in this calculus, offering trade or investment perks.
Yet, the costs are piling up. Sudan, a top-10 market for Kenyan tea exports (1.6 million kg shipped in October 2024), could hit back with trade restrictions—tea traders are already jittery.
Diplomatic isolation looms too; Sudan’s Arab allies and IGAD peers like Ethiopia might sour on Kenya. For expatriates, it’s personal: jobs are at risk if Sudan tightens the screws.
Ruto’s balancing act—projecting leadership while hosting a sanctioned militia—could backfire, trading short-term clout for long-term pain. What’s Kenya really gaining when its own citizens are paying the price?
