New data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) reveals that Kenya’s exports to the UAE dropped to Sh2.95 billion in April 2026, marking the weakest performance since July 2023 when shipments totaled Sh2.73 billion. This 33-month low comes amid heightened tensions in the Gulf region following the US-Israel war with Iran, which began on February 28 and disrupted the Strait of Hormuz—a chokepoint handling 20% of global oil supply and 30% of maritime trade. Despite a recent ceasefire, lingering instability has raised shipping costs, extended delivery times, and created uncertainty for exporters of perishable goods such as tea, meat, fruits, vegetables, and flowers, which are major Kenyan exports to the UAE.