Kenya and Saudi Arabia have signed a series of agreements aimed at deepening cooperation in labour mobility, trade, investment and customs administration following the inaugural Kenya-Saudi Arabia Political Consultations held in Riyadh.
The high-level consultations, co-chaired by Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, marked the first formal political dialogue between the two countries and concluded Mudavadi’s three-day official visit to the Kingdom.
Describing the outcome as a milestone in bilateral relations, Mudavadi said the agreements signal a new phase of strategic cooperation that will create more opportunities for both countries.
“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.
Labour and customs agreements strengthen bilateral cooperation
The consultations culminated in the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) covering labour cooperation, investment promotion and customs collaboration, creating a broader framework for long-term economic engagement.
In addition, the Kenya Development Corporation (KDC) signed a partnership agreement with the Saudi EXIM Bank to promote exports, investment and knowledge exchange between the two nations.
Mudavadi said the agreements demonstrate both governments’ commitment to expanding cooperation in labour mobility, trade, investment, peace and security, technical education, information and communications technology, and institutional collaboration.
The new framework is expected to facilitate easier movement of labour and capital while strengthening trade relations between Nairobi and Riyadh.
New measures to improve protection for Kenyan workers
Labour mobility remained one of the key issues discussed during the consultations as Kenya seeks stronger safeguards for the more than 300,000 Kenyans working in Saudi Arabia.
The Kenyan delegation pushed for improved labour standards, ethical recruitment practices, stronger dispute resolution mechanisms and better working conditions for Kenyan migrant workers.
According to Mudavadi, strengthening labour cooperation remains a priority because of the significant contribution made by Kenyans working abroad to the country’s economy through diaspora remittances.
The agreements are expected to improve the management of labour migration while providing stronger protections for Kenyan workers employed in Saudi Arabia.
The discussions also focused on enhancing cooperation between the two governments in addressing labour disputes and ensuring that recruitment processes remain transparent and compliant with international labour standards.
Trade and investment expected to receive major boost
Beyond labour mobility, both countries agreed to explore new opportunities to expand bilateral trade and investment.
The two governments discussed increasing market access for Kenyan exports, including tea, flowers, fresh produce and other horticultural products, while encouraging greater investment flows into Kenya.
Mudavadi said Saudi Arabia expressed interest in investing in strategic sectors through public-private partnerships, particularly 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.
The consultations also examined opportunities for collaboration in agriculture, food security, tourism, healthcare, education, digital technology and regional security as both countries seek to diversify their economic partnership.
Officials noted that expanding cooperation in these sectors could unlock new business opportunities while supporting Kenya’s long-term development agenda.
Strategic partnership expected to support economic growth
The agreements reinforce Saudi Arabia’s position as one of Kenya’s key strategic partners in the Gulf region, where cooperation already spans labour migration, investment and development financing.
Mudavadi said the outcomes reflect Kenya’s commitment to using economic diplomacy to create employment opportunities, attract foreign direct investment and strengthen international partnerships that support national development.
He noted that deeper collaboration with Saudi Arabia would not only benefit Kenyan workers abroad but also stimulate trade, improve investment flows and strengthen regional cooperation.
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 Arabia partnership.
The inaugural political consultations are expected to pave the way for regular bilateral engagements as both countries work to implement the newly signed agreements and identify additional areas of cooperation in the years ahead.
