South Sudan seizes expired Kenyan tea amid trade tensions
Authorities in Juba seized expired Kenyan tea as diplomatic and trade disputes between Sudan and Kenya continue to escalate.
SUDAN – South Sudanese authorities have seized 235 bags of expired blend tea in Juba, warning consumers to exercise caution when purchasing food products.
The South Sudan National Bureau of Standards (SSNBS) announced that the tea originated from Kenya’s Ngorongo Tea Factory and was discovered during routine market inspections.
“In a bid to combat expired, counterfeit, and substandard products, the Bureau is urging consumers to remain vigilant and report any suspicious items they encounter. Protecting consumers and upholding quality standards in the market remains a top priority for the agency,” the SSNBS said in a statement.
Officials emphasized that the confiscation demonstrates the government’s commitment to ensuring that goods sold in the country meet required safety and quality standards.
According to regional media, the importer acquired the tea in two consignments. The first, consisting of 750 bags, was purchased on July 21, 2023, followed a week later by an additional 1,900 bags. The product had a two-year shelf life. By the time of seizure, 630 bags remained unsold.
Ngorongo Tea Factory manager, Stephen King’ori, confirmed that the tea had been dispatched immediately after production and suggested that storage issues could have contributed to its expiry. “That remains the problem of the importer,” King’ori said.
The Bureau has since urged consumers to remain alert and report unsafe products, stressing that consumer protection is vital to safeguarding public health and fostering trust in the country’s developing market systems.
The seizure comes against the backdrop of worsening trade relations between Kenya and Sudan. Earlier this year, Sudan’s Ministry of Trade and Supply announced an immediate suspension of all imports from Kenya. The decision followed Kenya’s hosting of meetings with Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and allied groups.
On February 23, Kenya hosted talks involving the RSF, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) led by Abdelaziz al-Hilu, factions of the Revolutionary Front, the National Umma Party, and other political organizations.
The meetings concluded with the signing of a political charter and a transitional constitution, setting the stage for a parallel authority in RSF-controlled areas.
In response, Sudan escalated diplomatic measures, recalling its ambassador from Nairobi and later issuing a decree banning Kenyan imports, with tea as a primary target.
The directive, signed by Trade Minister Omar Ahmed Mohamed, suspended the entry of all Kenyan goods through ports, borders, airports, and other access points until further notice.
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