Kenya has formally aligned with the United Arab Emirates following a wave of Iranian attacks on critical Gulf infrastructure, warning that the strikes endanger civilian populations and risk destabilizing global economic and environmental systems.
The diplomatic endorsement came during a high-level telephone call between Emirati Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Balalaa and Kenya Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei.
Balalaa outlined the gravity of the regional escalation, specifically pointing to repeated assaults by Iran Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps against energy, water and transport installations across the Gulf Cooperation Council.
Sing’Oei, in turn, reaffirmed Kenya unequivocal solidarity, a stance mirroring President William Ruto earlier condemnation of the widening Middle East conflict.
“He apprised me on the gravity of the situation in the region, and in particular the repercussions of IRGC unjustified attacks of critical infrastructure of GCC countries on not only civilian security, but economic and environmental security of the globe,”
Korir Sing’Oei, Kenya Foreign Affairs PS
According to intelligence summaries from March and April 2026, the IRGC has systematically targeted strategic civilian and industrial assets across the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.
Key facilities struck include desalination plants that supply drinking water to millions, aluminum smelters vital to regional manufacturing and major airport hubs including Dubai International Airport.
The attacks have triggered partial shutdowns, airspace closures and widespread supply chain disruptions.
Kenya diplomatic response
The Gulf region houses more than 90% of the world desalination capacity, and experts warn that sustained damage could precipitate acute water shortages and public health emergencies.
In March, Iranian state-linked media published a list of 11 energy and water facilities marked for potential strikes, including the Barakah nuclear power plant in Abu Dhabi.
The IRGC has also claimed responsibility for targeting US military-linked positions in Kuwait, Bahrain and the UAE, though falling debris has repeatedly affected adjacent civilian infrastructure.
Sing’Oei assured Balalaa that Kenya, guided by President Ruto well-documented position, is prepared to work with the UAE through diplomatic channels to de-escalate the rapidly deteriorating situation.
“I conveyed to him Kenya solidarity and assured him of our readiness to work with the UAE to respond through diplomatic means to this escalating situation,” Sing’Oei said.
The move reinforces Nairobi careful balancing act, as the country deepens economic and security ties with Gulf monarchies while preserving relations with other Middle Eastern players.
More than 400,000 Kenyans live and work across the Gulf, and bilateral trade with the UAE alone surpassed KSh700 billion (approximately USD5.4 billion) in 2025.
Kenya recently signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with Abu Dhabi and a series of memorandums covering military cooperation, renewable energy and railway development.
The unfolding crisis has already disrupted air travel, with Kenya Airways suspending regular flights to Dubai and Sharjah, and forced Nairobi to activate emergency diaspora hotlines.
The IRGC campaign, part of a broader retaliation following US-Israeli strikes that killed Iran Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has spread instability across the Arabian Peninsula.
In addition to UAE facilities, Qatari natural gas infrastructure at Ras Laffan was struck, and Bahrain reported drone damage to a key desalination complex.
The International Energy Agency noted that at least 40 energy facilities in the Middle East have sustained severe damage, driving oil price volatility and threatening maritime transit through the Strait of Hormuz.
Kenya has consistently urged multilateral engagement, with Ruto calling on the United Nations Security Council and other global institutions to prioritize de-escalation.
“Longstanding multilateral institutions remain indispensable frameworks for the resolution of the current crisis in the Middle East,” Ruto said earlier in March.
