Kenya and Qatar have agreed to institutionalise annual Bilateral Political Consultations, marking a new phase in diplomatic relations aimed at strengthening political dialogue and expanding cooperation across key sectors.
The agreement was reached during the inaugural consultations between the two countries, led by Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei, and Qatar’s Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ahmed bin Hassan Al Hammadi.
The consultations provided a platform for the two countries to review existing areas of cooperation and identify new opportunities for economic and diplomatic engagement.
“The discussions covered a broad range of issues, including trade and investment, agriculture and food security, labour mobility, aviation, tourism, education, youth and sports, climate action and cooperation in multilateral forums,” Sing’Oei said.
Kenya used the talks to invite increased investment from Qatar in priority areas of the economy, including renewable energy, agriculture, infrastructure, logistics, tourism and Special Economic Zones.
The government also called on Qatar to participate in Kenya’s $200 million Green Investment Fund, which is intended to support investments aligned with the country’s green growth and sustainable development priorities.
Labour mobility was another key issue discussed during the consultations, with both sides agreeing to accelerate talks on the review of the 2012 Bilateral Labour Agreement.
PS Sing’Oei welcomed the continued employment opportunities available to its citizens in Qatar, where more than 70,000 Kenyans live and work.
The two sides also addressed market access for Kenyan agricultural products, particularly meat exports.
Kenya requested Qatar to review restrictions affecting Kenyan meat exports, with the two countries agreeing that their respective technical authorities would continue consultations to find a mutually acceptable solution.
Aviation emerged as another area with potential for deeper cooperation, with Kenya and Qatar welcoming the expanding partnership between Kenya Airways and Qatar Airways.
The two sides highlighted opportunities to increase air connectivity and strengthen cargo cooperation while exploring additional areas of collaboration in the aviation sector.
The consultations also underscored the importance of strengthening people-to-people links through cooperation in education, youth affairs, sports and tourism.
Kenya and Qatar further agreed to maintain close coordination on international and multilateral issues of mutual interest, reflecting their broader commitment to strengthening diplomatic relations.
The two countries agreed that the second Bilateral Political Consultations will be held in Nairobi in 2027.
The meeting is expected to provide an opportunity to review progress made on commitments reached during the inaugural consultations and identify additional areas for cooperation.
The institutionalisation of the consultations provides a regular framework for the two countries to address emerging issues, monitor bilateral agreements and deepen economic and diplomatic ties.
