Kenya has re-affirmed its commitment to peacebuilding and humanitarian support in the ongoing Sudan conflict, amid rising media scrutiny, over the country’s diplomatic involvement.
Speaking at a lecture on Kenya’s diplomatic involvement in the Sudan crisis, the Government Spokesperson, Dr. Isaac Mwaura, denied any claims that the country was supporting either side in the conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), led by Generals Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti), respectively.
“I want to categorically state that the Kenyan government is supporting the ceasefire process in Sudan under IGAD, led by the President. Any other assertion is a matter of cold lecture and Kenya remains a peace builder in this region,” assured Dr. Mwaura.
The Government Spokesperson noted that the Sudan conflict, which has ravaged the country since 2023, has risen from decades of economic mismanagement and political instability.
In retrospect, Dr. Mwaura said that the crisis escalated after the 2019 removal of President Omar al-Bashir, followed by a military-led transition under General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and Lieutenant General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti).
However, a power struggle between their respective factions, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has since erupted into full-scale civil war.
“18 million Sudanese are food insecure, 11 million are in need of urgent health care, and cholera, dengue fever, and measles have broken out. These are fellow human beings, and they need support,” he implored.
He revealed that Kenya has already pledged $2 million (approximately Sh256 million) in humanitarian assistance through international donor conferences in Paris (2024), Addis Ababa (2025), and London.
Dr. Mwaura maintained that Kenya is willing to facilitate peace talks by accommodating the conflicting parties and other stakeholders.
“We have hosted Generals Burhan and Hemedti here for dialogue, and we will continue to do so to push for a ceasefire,” he outlined, reiterating that Kenya is involved in finding a lasting solution through IGAD.
In February 2025, the RSF and other actors signed the Sudan Founding Charter in Nairobi. A transitional charter followed in March, culminating in the RSF declaring a Government of Peace and Unity in April.
“Egypt and Iran have supported SAF, while the UAE has backed RSF, driven by interests in gold, water, agriculture, and Red Sea access,” he disclosed.
In a quick rejoinder, Dr. Mwaura emphasized that Kenya is not aligned with any of the warring parties and that external partner’s can only support the Sudanese to find their own solution.
“Any assertion that Kenya is doing business or picking sides is neither here nor there. Kenya treats all its partners, neighbors, and states with mutual respect and diplomacy,” asserted Dr. Mwaura.
He made a strong appeal for global coordination, urging the African Union (AU), United Nations (UN), and all other multilateral organizations to develop a unified approach.
“The people of Sudan cannot wait any longer. We will continue to speak out and engage, because peace in Sudan is not just a Sudanese issue, it is a regional and humanitarian imperative,” implored Dr. Mwaura.
As the Sudan war continues to escalate, he stressed that Kenya’s diplomatic role rooted in history, principle, and pragmatism remains crucial in seeking a peaceful resolution to one of the region’s most pressing crises.
Meanwhile, on the refugee issue, Dr. Mwaura hailed Kenya’s Ushirika Plan as a globally recognized model for refugee management.
“Our plan is now being used as a reference globally,” he announced, citing a recent conference in Zambia which acknowledged this approach, showing Kenya’s leadership in offering dignity and protection to displaced persons.
By Brenda Oluoch and Victor Kiplagat
