National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula has warned that the escalating tensions between Pakistan and India might cause serious economic implications to Kenya.
In a statement on Thursday, June 5, the Speaker said the conflict, which could potentially reignite to hostilities between the two countries, could cause a significant dent in the country's export sector, especially given that Pakistan is the largest importer of Kenyan tea.
Wetang'ula revealed this after meeting with the High Commissioner of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Kenya, Ibrar Hussain Khan, on Thursday, where they deliberated on the matter.
The tea sub-sector is critical to Kenya's economy, and fetched about Ksh180.57 billion (USD1.22 billion) in exports last year.
According to data from the Tea Board of Kenya, the country exported 206.27 million kilograms, worth Ksh 70 billion of tea to Pakistan, accounting for 34.7 per cent of Kenya's total tea exports in 2024, making it a leading destination for Kenyan tea exports in 2024.
"Pakistan remains a strategic trade partner to Kenya, particularly as our largest importer of tea. Any escalation of hostilities in the region could have far-reaching economic implications for both countries and the global community," Wetang'ula said.
The conflict between India and Pakistan stems largely from the unresolved boundary dispute of the Kashmir region, which is currently under the administrative control of both countries.
Wetang'ula stressed the need for the two countries to explore ways in which they can restore peace and diplomatic harmony to not only shield economies but also protect vulnerable populations, especially women and children, who bear the brunt during hostilities.
"I also expressed concern about the human cost of war, especially on vulnerable populations who often bear the greatest burden in times of conflict," the speaker said.
"Nonetheless, I was encouraged by the ongoing steps toward de-escalation and dialogue between the concerned parties," he said.
The warning by Wetangu'la comes barely three weeks after President William Ruto, on Tuesday, May 13, met with Chinese investors to discuss ways of increasing Kenyan tea in the Chinese market.
The investors, led by Fuzhou Benny Tea Industries chairman Zhang Chaobin, pledged to set up tea factories in select tea-growing regions of the country to boost the consumption of Kenyan tea.
