NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenya and Qatar have agreed to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, tourism, education, food security and skilled labour recruitment following high-level bilateral consultations held in Doha.
The second round of Kenya-Qatar bilateral political consultations took place on August 11, 2026, with the two countries reviewing the progress of their relations and identifying new areas for economic and diplomatic cooperation.
The talks also provided an opportunity for Kenya and Qatar to exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual interest.
Kenya, Qatar seek stronger trade and investment ties
Qatar’s delegation was led by Dr Ahmad Hassan Al-Hammadi, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, while Kenya was represented by Dr Korir Sing’Oei, Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs.
In a joint statement issued after the consultations, the two countries welcomed the continued growth of their bilateral relations and reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation through high-level visits, implementation of existing agreements and memoranda of understanding, and closer coordination in regional and international organisations.
The two sides agreed to strengthen economic and commercial relations, with particular emphasis on increasing bilateral trade and mutual investment.
The expanded economic cooperation is expected to create opportunities for businesses in both countries while supporting Kenya’s efforts to attract foreign capital and access new markets.
New opportunities for Kenyan workers
Kenya and Qatar also agreed to expand cooperation in tourism, sports, culture, education and food security.
Labour cooperation featured prominently in the discussions, with the two countries agreeing to explore additional opportunities for the recruitment of skilled Kenyan workers.
The initiative could open new employment opportunities for qualified Kenyans seeking jobs in Qatar while strengthening mechanisms for bilateral labour cooperation.
The two countries are also expected to continue engaging on measures that can support orderly and mutually beneficial labour mobility.
Aviation and transport cooperation
Kenya and Qatar expressed interest in strengthening cooperation in civil aviation and transportation, sectors that both sides identified as important to expanding commercial and people-to-people links.
Improved cooperation in aviation and transport could support growth in trade, investment and tourism by strengthening connectivity between the two countries.
The discussions also covered food security, an area of growing importance as countries seek more resilient food supply chains and investment partnerships.
Regional peace and security
Beyond bilateral economic interests, the consultations covered regional and international developments.
Kenya and Qatar reaffirmed their support for resolving disputes through diplomacy, dialogue and mediation, while emphasising the importance of peaceful approaches to international conflicts.
The two countries also stressed the need for continued efforts to combat terrorism and extremism.
The security discussions reflect the broader role played by both countries in regional diplomacy and efforts to promote stability.
Next talks to be held in Nairobi
At the conclusion of the consultations, Kenya and Qatar welcomed what they described as a positive outcome and reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining regular bilateral engagement.
Both sides pledged to work towards implementing the agreements and areas of cooperation identified during the talks.
Kenya is expected to host the third round of Kenya-Qatar bilateral political consultations in Nairobi, with the date to be agreed through diplomatic channels.
