Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi has commenced a three-day official visit to Saudi Arabia aimed at strengthening diplomatic relations and expanding economic cooperation between the two countries.
The July 3–5 visit to Riyadh will feature high-level consultations with senior Saudi government officials as Kenya seeks to deepen collaboration in trade, labour migration, investment and regional security.
According to a statement from Mudavadi’s office, the visit reflects the growing strategic partnership between Nairobi and Riyadh and forms part of Kenya’s broader foreign policy agenda of building stronger political and economic ties with key international partners.
Focus on Kenyan workers
A key agenda during the visit will be the welfare of Kenyans working in Saudi Arabia, where more than 300,000 Kenyan migrant workers are currently employed.
Mudavadi is expected to push for stronger labour protections, improved working conditions and enhanced mechanisms for resolving employment disputes involving Kenyan workers.
His office said Kenya will also advocate for ethical recruitment practices, greater protection of workers’ rights and closer cooperation in safeguarding the welfare and dignity of its citizens living and working in the Kingdom.
Boosting trade and investment
The discussions will also focus on expanding bilateral trade and attracting increased Saudi investment into Kenya.
Kenya is expected to seek improved market access for its key exports, including tea, fresh fruits, vegetables, cut flowers and other horticultural products, while exploring opportunities to diversify exports destined for the Saudi market.
The two countries are also expected to discuss measures to promote investment and unlock new business opportunities that can drive economic growth and job creation.
Broader areas of cooperation
Beyond trade and labour matters, the consultations will cover cooperation in agriculture, food security, renewable energy, infrastructure development, tourism, healthcare, education and skills development.
Other priority areas include the digital economy, manufacturing, logistics, aviation, maritime transport, value addition, climate resilience and sustainable development.
The meetings will also review progress made under existing bilateral agreements while identifying new areas of collaboration that can strengthen the long-standing partnership between Kenya and Saudi Arabia.
Strengthening strategic partnership
Saudi Arabia remains one of Kenya’s most important partners in the Middle East, with cooperation spanning trade, development financing, labour mobility, investment and regional diplomacy.
According to the Foreign Affairs Ministry, the visit is expected to reinforce the strong relationship between the two countries while opening new opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation.
The engagements also align with Kenya’s commitment to pursuing an active, people-centred and economically driven foreign policy that advances national interests and supports the welfare of Kenyans both at home and abroad.
