NAIROBI, Kenya — National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has hailed the growing partnership between Kenya and Qatar, describing it as a “strategic friendship” that continues to benefit both nations across key sectors such as labor, trade, and tourism.
Speaking in Nairobi on Tuesday during a courtesy call by Qatari Ambassador Mohammed Mutair Al-Shamlani Al-Anzi, Wetang’ula reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with the Gulf nation.
He lauded Qatar for its support in providing employment opportunities to thousands of Kenyans currently working in the country.
“Kenyans are law-abiding citizens and serve as informal ambassadors for our country across the globe,” the Speaker said. “We appreciate the safe working environment Qatar has offered to our nationals and look forward to more structured cooperation on labor mobility.”
The meeting focused on enhancing protections for Kenyan workers abroad, with both parties agreeing to streamline pre-departure processes and ensure ethical recruitment practices.
The initiative aims to provide smoother transitions and better safeguards for Kenyan migrant workers heading to Qatar.
Ambassador Al-Anzi expressed Qatar’s continued interest in expanding cooperation beyond labor to include trade, agriculture, transport, and tourism.
“One key sector we must capitalize on is the export of fresh produce,” he said, underscoring the potential for Kenyan agricultural products to access Qatar’s growing market.
Wetang’ula echoed the call for enhanced trade and invited Qatar to invest more in Kenya’s export-oriented sectors.
“With the growing number of Kenyans in Qatar and our shared economic interests, there is immense potential for deeper collaboration,” he noted.
To further solidify ties between the two legislatures, the Speaker and the Ambassador agreed to establish Parliamentary Friendship Groups between the Kenyan National Assembly and the Qatari Consultative Assembly.
The groups will serve as platforms for legislative exchange, dialogue, and cooperation on shared interests.
Kenya and Qatar established diplomatic relations in 2003 and have progressively expanded their partnership in recent years.
The latest developments signal a renewed commitment to boosting bilateral engagement and fostering sustainable growth in both nations.
