By Ongaga Ongaga
Kenya is bracing against global supply chain shocks while projecting confidence in its ability to safeguard the economy.
President William Ruto has assured farmers that fertilizer supplies will remain stable through September, despite the ongoing Gulf crisis that has disrupted shipping routes and raised concerns over import costs.
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“No disruptions are expected. We have sufficient supplies to support the current rainy season,” he said, seeking to calm fears ahead of the planting season.
Trade performance remains encouraging, with tea exports showing resilience.
The latest figures indicate that 81 percent of tea offered for auction this month was exported, compared to 75 percent in March 2025.
Diversification into new markets has helped cushion the sector, reinforcing tea’s role as a vital source of foreign exchange.
However, meat exporters are facing logistical bottlenecks, prompting government ministries to explore alternative solutions.
Ruto pledged that “the Government remains committed to closely monitoring developments and taking decisive action to safeguard the economic well-being of all Kenyans.”
Kenya’s ports are also experiencing a surge in activity.
The Port of Lamu has recorded a sharp rise in throughput, including the handling of more than 4,000 high-value motor vehicles destined for Gulf markets.
This underscores the growing strategic importance of Kenya’s port infrastructure, which the government continues to expand and modernise.
“We will engage international logistics companies to leverage emerging opportunities and strengthen Kenya’s position in regional and global trade,” Ruto added.
Meanwhile, rising international oil prices are already affecting consumers worldwide, but Kenya’s government-to-government fuel procurement arrangement has cushioned citizens from immediate shocks.
The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) confirmed that pump prices remain steady at Sh178.28 per litre for petrol, Sh166.54 for diesel, and Sh152.78 for kerosene, even as the landed cost of diesel rose by 8.46 percent between January and February.
“Our strategic intervention has mitigated price increases, ensured security of supply, and proven to be both prudent and forward-looking,” Ruto said after receiving a briefing from key ministries and the Central Bank.
