Kenya, Saudi Arabia Sign New Labour Deal Expected to Unlock More Jobs for Kenyan Workers

Kenya, Saudi Arabia Sign New Labour Deal Expected to Unlock More Jobs for Kenyan Workers

Kenya and Saudi Arabia have signed a new labour cooperation agreement expected to expand employment opportunities for thousands of Kenyans, as the two countries deepen bilateral relations through a series of new partnerships covering trade, investment, agriculture, energy and cultural cooperation.

The labour agreement was among several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) signed during Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi’s official visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, a trip the government says is aimed at advancing Kenya’s economic diplomacy agenda while creating new opportunities for Kenyan workers and businesses.

The latest agreement comes at a time when labour migration has become an increasingly important pillar of Kenya’s economic strategy, with the government actively seeking overseas employment markets to help address youth unemployment and increase foreign remittances.

According to Mudavadi, the enhanced labour framework is expected to strengthen the structured recruitment of Kenyan workers into Saudi Arabia while improving cooperation between the two governments on labour mobility.

“The agreement is expected to create more employment opportunities for Kenyans seeking jobs in Saudi Arabia while supporting the country’s labour migration programme.”

Saudi Arabia remains one of the largest destinations for Kenyan migrant workers, particularly in the domestic work, hospitality, construction, healthcare and skilled labour sectors.

The Kenyan government has in recent years intensified negotiations with Gulf countries to establish bilateral labour agreements aimed at improving worker protection, regulating recruitment agencies and ensuring safer migration pathways.

Beyond labour mobility, the two nations signed several additional agreements designed to strengthen economic cooperation and encourage greater investment between Nairobi and Riyadh.

One of the key agreements involves a partnership between the Kenya Development Corporation (KDC) and the Saudi Export-Import (EXIM) Bank, which is expected to facilitate export financing, promote investment and encourage knowledge exchange between businesses in both countries.

Government officials say the partnership could provide Kenyan exporters with improved access to financing while opening new opportunities for businesses targeting Middle Eastern markets.

Agriculture also featured prominently during the visit.

Mudavadi toured Almarai, one of the world’s largest dairy companies, where discussions focused on technology transfer, investment opportunities and modern farming practices that could help transform Kenya’s dairy industry.

Officials said increased cooperation in agriculture is expected to improve productivity, strengthen food security and support value addition within Kenya’s agricultural sector.

Energy security was another major area of engagement.

The Kenyan delegation held discussions with Aramco Trading, exploring potential areas of collaboration aimed at enhancing Kenya’s energy supply chain and identifying future investment opportunities in petroleum and energy infrastructure.

The talks form part of Kenya’s broader efforts to diversify strategic international partnerships while strengthening long-term energy resilience.

During the visit, Mudavadi also convened a business roundtable bringing together Kenyan and Saudi investors.

The discussions focused on attracting investment into priority sectors including infrastructure, manufacturing, information and communication technology (ICT), agriculture and renewable energy.

Government officials expressed optimism that the engagements would encourage greater private sector participation and unlock new commercial partnerships between investors from both countries.

Another milestone of the visit was the inaugural Kenya-Saudi Arabia Political Consultations, jointly chaired by Mudavadi and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud.

The consultations established a structured framework for regular diplomatic engagement between the two governments on political, economic and strategic issues of mutual interest.

The government described the visit as a significant step in advancing Kenya’s economic diplomacy agenda and deepening its partnership with Saudi Arabia to deliver tangible economic opportunities for Kenyan citizens.

According to the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, the agreements signed during the visit are expected to generate multiple benefits, including increased employment opportunities, stronger trade relations, improved investment flows, enhanced agricultural productivity, greater energy cooperation and expanded skills transfer.

The government believes the strengthened partnership will also improve the business environment for investors from both countries while supporting Kenya’s long-term economic growth objectives.

As Kenya continues pursuing overseas labour markets and international investment partnerships, officials say the latest agreements with Saudi Arabia demonstrate the country’s growing focus on leveraging diplomacy to create jobs, attract capital and expand economic opportunities for its citizens both at home and abroad.

ALSO READ: Ruto Scores Major Legal Victory as High Court Upholds Appointment of Opposition Figures to Cabinet

Kenya, Saudi Arabia Sign New Labour Deal Expected to Unlock More Jobs for Kenyan Workers