Kenya and Sudan have shared a symbiotic relationship over the years. However, things have quickly
changed recently due to Kenya’s controversial decision to host the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) leaders in
Nairobi. This decision put Kenya’s impartiality to question. Furthermore, due to this act Sudan has taken
some retaliatory measures including calling back their ambassador and imposing a ban on Kenyan
imported goods. This text unpacks the fallout between these two countries. It then highlights the impact on
Kenya’s reputation due to the RSF engagement such as loss of credibility as a mediator, association to
human rights abuse, loss of trust and economic loss. Lastly, the text provides recommendations on how
Kenya and Sudan can get back to their previous symbiotic relationship.
