Sahar Ragab
The ongoing conflict in Iran is having significant economic repercussions far beyond the Middle East, with Kenya’s key agricultural export sectors—flowers and tea—reporting substantial losses due to disrupted global trade routes and weakened international demand.
According to international reports, including coverage by the Financial Times, Kenyan flower exports—one of the country’s most valuable foreign exchange earners—have been severely affected. Demand from Gulf markets has dropped sharply, while rising shipping costs and logistical disruptions have further strained exporters.
Flower farms in Kenya, particularly those specializing in roses, are experiencing significant financial pressure. Some producers report canceled or delayed international orders, forcing them to dispose of unsold stock and absorb heavy losses. Industry estimates suggest the sector may be losing millions of dollars weekly due to reduced exports and increased transport costs.
The tea industry, another pillar of Kenya’s economy, is also under pressure. The Middle East, which accounts for a significant share of Kenyan tea exports, has seen reduced imports as shipping routes become longer and more expensive due to instability in regional trade corridors. This has led to stockpiles building up in storage facilities and mounting revenue losses for exporters.
Experts warn that continued instability could further disrupt global supply chains, especially for countries like Kenya that rely heavily on agricultural exports. The crisis highlights how geopolitical conflicts can ripple through global markets, affecting economies far from the original conflict zone.