The protests rocking Iran might seem distant, but the shockwaves are being felt in Nairobi. As the regime in Tehran wobbles, the geopolitical implications for energy prices and tea exports are real for Kenya.

Kenya exports tea worth billions to Iran. Instability or sanctions disrupt payment channels and logistics. "When Tehran sneezes, the tea farmer in Kericho catches a cold," notes an export analyst.

The Energy Equation

Iran is a major player in the global oil market. If the protests lead to a disruption in supply—or if the Strait of Hormuz is blocked in retaliation—global oil prices will spike. For Kenyans already grappling with high fuel costs, this would be a disaster.

• The Proxy War: Iran’s influence in the Horn of Africa creates security risks. A weakened regime might lash out through proxies, potentially destabilizing the Red Sea route used by Kenyan imports.
• Human Rights: The uprising is also a test of global solidarity. Kenyan civil society is watching how the world responds to state violence against protesters, drawing parallels to local struggles.

Global Village

In a globalized world, there are no local stories. The bravery of Iranian women burning hijabs resonates with women everywhere fighting for autonomy. Their struggle is our struggle, both morally and economically.