Kenya and Qatar have committed to formalising annual bilateral political consultations to deepen cooperation in employment, investment, trade, and other key sectors.
The inaugural Kenya-Qatar Bilateral Political Consultations took place on August 12, 2026, led by Kenya's Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Dr Korir Sing’Oei and Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Secretary-General Dr Ahmed bin Hassan Al Hammadi.
Key Areas of Collaboration
- Labour and Employment: With more than 70,000 Kenyans living and working in Qatar, both countries agreed to accelerate the review of the 2012 Bilateral Labour Agreement to enhance employment opportunities.
- Investment: Kenya invited Qatar to invest more in sectors such as renewable energy, agriculture, infrastructure, logistics, tourism, and Special Economic Zones, and encouraged Qatari participation in Kenya’s USD 200 million Green Investment Fund.
- Trade and Agriculture: Discussions included addressing restrictions on Kenyan meat exports to Qatar, with technical teams set to continue consultations.
- Aviation: Both nations plan to expand cooperation between Kenya Airways and Qatar Airways, focusing on improved passenger connectivity and cargo services.
Strengthening Longstanding Ties
Kenya and Qatar have maintained diplomatic relations since 2003, collaborating across various sectors including trade, investment, labour, agriculture, transport, and tourism. The newly institutionalised annual consultations aim to provide a structured platform for resolving issues and exploring new opportunities.
The next round of Bilateral Political Consultations is scheduled to take place in Nairobi in 2027.
