RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi has welcomed a series of agreements signed between Kenya and Saudi Arabia, describing them as a major step towards strengthening labour mobility, trade, investment and broader economic cooperation between the two countries.
The agreements were concluded on Sunday during the inaugural Kenya-Saudi Arabia Political Consultations, co-chaired by Mudavadi and Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud in Riyadh.
The high-level consultations marked the first formal political dialogue between the two governments and concluded Mudavadi’s three-day official visit to the Gulf nation.
Labour, investment and customs cooperation
The talks culminated in the signing of Memoranda of Understanding covering labour cooperation, investment promotion and customs collaboration, establishing a broader framework for economic engagement between Nairobi and Riyadh.
In addition, the Kenya Development Corporation signed an agreement with the Saudi EXIM Bank to promote exports, investment and knowledge exchange.
“A new chapter in Kenya-Saudi Arabia relations was written today with the successful conclusion of the first-ever Kenya-Saudi Arabia Political Consultations, marking a significant milestone in our growing strategic partnership,” Mudavadi said.
He added that both governments had reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation in labour mobility, trade and investment, peace and security, technical education, and information and communications technology.
Focus on Kenyan workers
Labour mobility featured prominently during the discussions as Kenya continues efforts to improve protections for the more than 300,000 Kenyans working in Saudi Arabia.
Before the consultations, the Kenyan delegation indicated it would pursue stronger labour standards, enhanced protection of migrant workers’ rights, ethical recruitment practices, improved dispute resolution mechanisms and better working conditions for Kenyan employees in the Kingdom.
The agreements are expected to strengthen the framework for managing labour migration while safeguarding the welfare of Kenyan workers abroad.
Expanding trade and investment
The two countries also discussed expanding market access for Kenyan exports, including tea, flowers, fresh produce and other horticultural products.
Mudavadi said Saudi Arabia had expressed interest in increasing investment in Kenya through public-private partnerships, particularly in renewable energy, infrastructure and logistics.
“Saudi Arabia also expressed strong interest in public-private partnerships in renewable energy, infrastructure and logistics, sectors that will create jobs, attract investment and accelerate Kenya’s economic transformation,” he said.
Beyond trade and investment, the consultations explored opportunities for collaboration in agriculture, food security, tourism, health, education, digital technology and regional security.
Strengthening strategic ties
The agreements reinforce Kenya’s engagement with one of its key partners in the Gulf region, where bilateral cooperation already spans labour migration, trade, investment and development financing.
Mudavadi said the outcomes demonstrate Kenya’s commitment to using economic diplomacy to create employment opportunities, attract foreign investment and strengthen strategic partnerships that support national development.
Cabinet Secretary for Labour and Social Protection Alfred Mutua also participated in the consultations, underscoring the importance of labour mobility and worker protection within the expanding Kenya-Saudi partnership.