More than 350,000 Kenyans living and working in Saudi Arabia are expected to benefit after Kenya and Saudi Arabia signed a new Labour Recruitment and Employment Agreement aimed at improving recruitment standards, working conditions and the welfare of migrant workers.
The agreement was among four bilateral deals signed during the first Kenya–Saudi Arabia Political Consultations Meeting held in Riyadh.
Kenya’s delegation was led by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, while the Saudi delegation was headed by Foreign Affairs Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud.
Speaking to Kenyans living in Riyadh, Mudavadi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of Kenyans working abroad.
“The government will continue strengthening bilateral labour agreements and expanding consular services to support Kenyans working overseas,” Mudavadi said.
Besides the labour agreement, the two countries also signed three Memoranda of Understanding covering investment promotion, customs cooperation and financing for development projects.
Mudavadi said the agreements would strengthen relations between Nairobi and Riyadh while creating new economic opportunities through trade, investment and job creation.
“Kenya’s foreign policy is increasingly focused on economic diplomacy that creates jobs, expands exports, attracts quality investments and opens new markets for Kenyan businesses,” he said.
He also encouraged Saudi investors to explore opportunities in agriculture, manufacturing, renewable energy, technology, infrastructure, healthcare, tourism and financial services.
According to the government, the visit renewed investor confidence and paved the way for faster implementation of existing agreements and new commercial partnerships.
