The Ripple Effect: Africa’s Vulnerability Amid Global Conflicts

Kenya, 23 October 2025 - Africa, particularly Kenya, remains deeply vulnerable due to its reliance on imports of essential commodities like cereals and fuel, Kisumu Governor Anyang' Nyong'o has said. 

The ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza, coupled with intensified Russian operation in Ukraine, has amplified these vulnerabilities, triggering economic strain and humanitarian challenges across the continent.

The Israel-Gaza conflict has disrupted global supply chains critical to Africa. Kenya, heavily dependent on imported cereals and fuel, has faced soaring prices and significant supply delays.

Maritime bottlenecks and increased freight costs have pushed fuel prices upward, directly affecting transportation, agriculture, and industry, and causing a rise in the overall cost of living.

Prof Nyong’o, who was recently appointed by United Nations (UN) Secretary General Antonio Guterres as an advisor on local and regional governments, has spoken out on the crisis, “The ongoing violence must cease immediately. We urge the UN to take decisive action and broker peace among the warring parties." 

He is a member of the UN advisory group dedicated to enhancing the involvement of local authorities in intergovernmental planning. Without peace, he said, the consequences will continue to reverberate far beyond the conflict zones, impacting vulnerable populations worldwide.

Meanwhile, Russia’s drone attacks on Ukraine have escalated the humanitarian and economic fallout. 

The resulting spike in global energy prices has further strained fuel supplies in African countries like Kenya. 

Despite increasing civilian casualties and infrastructure destruction, global response has been muted, raising concerns about the international community’s commitment to human rights and peace.