Sudanese in Kenya… An Integration Attempt Not Without Challenges

Sudan Events – Agencies

For various reasons, Sudanese have found themselves in Kenya. Some work in regional and international organizations, others are involved in trade and other sectors. However, a large portion was driven there by the ongoing war in Sudan between the army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

According to embassy estimates, the Sudanese presence in Kenya does not exceed 3,500 people. They are distributed across several neighborhoods, with the highest concentration in Kilimani, which was the first destination for Sudanese and has since attracted most newcomers, becoming the largest Sudanese hub in Nairobi. Other communities are found in Rwaka and Juja.

Sudanese-Kenyan relations date back to the early 20th century, when British colonial authorities recruited Sudanese soldiers from the Nuba Mountains during their military campaign to occupy Kenya between 1919 and 1920. These soldiers also participated in constructing the railway line linking Kenya and Uganda.

Mohamed Othman, a Sudanese who has lived in Kenya for years, says: “Indeed, relations between the two countries are old and stable. Some Sudanese who fought in the British war to occupy Kenya settled and integrated into society in an old Nairobi neighborhood known as Kibra, a slum area.”

The Integration Story
While earlier Sudanese immigrants integrated into society and some even gained Kenyan citizenship, things have not been as easy for the new arrivals—many of whom knew little about Kenya beyond negative media portrayals. This is likely true for most Sudanese due to their relatively weak connections with African neighbors compared to Arab nations, especially Gulf countries.

According to Montasir Saad Ishaq, the Sudanese Consul in Nairobi, language barriers and the search for employment are the biggest challenges. Many Sudanese are not fluent in English (Kenya’s primary language), and the job market is already too tight to accommodate even Kenyans.

Some Sudanese have managed to secure jobs with international organizations, particularly those with prior experience in such institutions in Sudan. Others have ventured into small businesses in the service and trade sectors, while a portion remains unemployed.

Consul Montasir notes a positive aspect: there is no discrimination against Sudanese in Kenya. This is partly due to physical similarities, and also because Kenyans are generally friendly and respectful toward Sudanese. Moreover, around 5,000 Kenyans have studied in Sudanese universities, especially in medical fields, and many now hold senior positions in Kenya.

Kenyan Appreciation
Kenyans often express appreciation when they meet Sudanese. Rashid Mohamed—a Kenyan who studied at the International University of Africa in Sudan, which attracted many African students—holds fond memories of his time as a student and later a teacher in Sudan. However, the war forced him and other Africans to flee.

Rashid recalls, “I refused to leave for a whole week, but as the attacks intensified, especially near the university, I had to flee via Wad Madani and then to the Galabat region on the Ethiopian border.”

He eagerly awaits the end of the war, which he follows closely, so he can return to Sudan. Laughing, he shares that his friends often tell him, “You’re not Kenyan, you’re Sudanese.”

Success Stories
Many Kenyans—especially those who studied in Sudan like Rashid, as well as South Sudanese—frequent Sudanese restaurants and shops in Nairobi. These are run by young Sudanese, many of whom fled the war, leaving everything behind to start from scratch. Despite the hardships, they have built remarkable success stories.

A group of youth established a restaurant called “Jayta,” a Sudanese slang term meaning something unorganized—reflecting the instability they faced post-war.

Jawad recounts how their journey began in Cairo, where they rented a shop but struggled to decide on a business idea. A woman suggested selling falafel, and someone else proposed “Agashi”—a traditional Sudanese dish made of marinated, charcoal-grilled meat, typically served with bread and salad.

The idea succeeded and attracted many customers. They then decided to replicate the concept in Nairobi, keeping the same name and style, and it became a great success, according to them. Plans are now underway to open a branch in Somalia.

Despite some successes, many still face difficulties. Consul Montasir points to the efforts of the embassy and Sudanese community in addressing challenges related to residency and humanitarian needs. He also praised Qatar Charity and the Qatari embassy in Nairobi for their support of the Sudanese.

Old Trade Ties
During British colonial rule, Kenya and Sudan were linked through complementary trade. After gaining independence—Sudan in 1956 and Kenya in 1963—the two countries established full diplomatic relations, and their economic ties grew steadily.

Sudan exports cotton, oilseeds, hibiscus, and perfumes, while importing tea, coffee, and honey.

Trade has continued over the years, with Sudanese business activity mainly centered in Mombasa, Kenya’s main port for exports to Sudan—especially Kenyan tea.

In recent years, Sudan imported around $255 million worth of Kenyan tea annually, making it the third-largest global market for Kenyan tea, importing nearly 10% of Kenya’s total tea output.

However, tea exports have now ceased after Sudan accused President William Ruto’s government of siding with the RSF and hosting opposition meetings aimed at forming a parallel Sudanese government—actions viewed by Khartoum as a threat to its national security. This decision has impacted both farmers and traders.

Roots of the Conflict
The root causes of Sudan-Kenya tensions are multifaceted, involving historical, political, and regional dynamics. Both countries are key players in the Horn of Africa and East Africa, leading to competition for regional influence that sometimes manifests in political and diplomatic friction.

Bilateral relations have fluctuated, experiencing both cooperation and tension during the rule of former Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir (1989–2019).

Sudanese Suspicion
Kenya played a mediation role in the Naivasha Agreement between North and South Sudan, which led to the secession of South Sudan in July 2011.

However, Nairobi’s ties with South Sudanese politicians have often been stronger and more cooperative than with northern Sudanese leaders.

Successive Kenyan governments supported the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) during the Sudanese civil war, strengthening relations post-independence. Kenya became one of South Sudan’s key allies in building institutions and developing its economy.

Conversely, Khartoum often views Kenya’s mediation roles with suspicion, seeing them as interference in Sudan’s internal affairs.

So far, the diplomatic fallout—including the withdrawal of the Sudanese ambassador and halting trade—has not negatively impacted the Sudanese community in Kenya. According to the Sudanese Consul, residency procedures for Sudanese remain unchanged and subject to the same conditions.