Middle East conflict threatens to derail Kenya's exports worth KSh 164 billion

Added: 2026-05-06

[00:00:00]percent increase from the one shilling and 50 cents paid in 2024. Now, Kenya's export-driven economy is facing a stress test as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East threaten to derail a record-breaking trade year. The Ministry of Investments, Trade, and Industry has issued a report on impact of Middle East crisis on Kenya's trade and export sector. Now, according to the statement, the current geopolitical tensions places 164.6 billion shillings worth of annual exports to the Middle East at risk, one of Kenya's most strategic and fastest-growing markets. The crisis has led to the suspension and restriction of key maritime and air cargo routes through the Red Sea and Gulf corridors, leading to an increase in transit times by 10 to 20 days and air cargo delays of up to 48 hours are impacting perishable exports such as flowers and fresh produce. Kenya's push to tackle youth unemployment is drawing fresh backing from global development