Qatar has opened the prospect of more jobs for skilled Kenyans as Nairobi seeks to deepen labour migration ties with the Gulf state.
The two countries agreed to explore new areas for the recruitment of skilled Kenyan workers, potentially widening opportunities in the Gulf state beyond existing employment arrangements.
The commitment was made during the second round of bilateral political consultations held in Doha, where the two sides reviewed cooperation in trade, investment, tourism, education, food security and labour.
In a joint statement issued after the talks, Kenya and Qatar said they would enhance cooperation on labour and explore new areas for recruiting skilled manpower.
The joint statement was signed by Foreign Affairs PS Korir Sing’oei and Qatar's Foreign Ministry Secretary General Ahmad Hassan Al-Hammadi.
The move could provide a new avenue for Kenyan professionals seeking jobs abroad at a time when the government is increasingly looking to overseas labour markets through Kazi Majuu initiative.
Kenya has made labour migration a key part of its employment strategy and has signed bilateral labour agreements with Qatar and other destination countries.
The Ministry of Labour says the agreements are intended to facilitate safe and orderly migration, while Kenya has established labour attaché offices in key Gulf destinations, including Qatar. They have been tasked to support migrant workers and help implement labour agreements.
The government has also developed a national strategy on skills development for labour mobility, which identifies Qatar among Kenya's existing bilateral labour partners.
However, significant governance challenges remain in ensuring safe, orderly and regular migration.
Kenyan migrant workers have historically raised concerns about recruitment practices, employment contracts, wages and working conditions in Gulf countries.
A 2025 case before the Employment and Labour Relations Court brought together concerns over reported violations of the rights of Kenyan migrant domestic and other workers in Middle Eastern countries, including Qatar.
Qatar has undertaken significant labour reforms in recent years, including changes to its sponsorship system, the introduction of a non-discriminatory minimum wage and measures to improve wage protection and workers' mobility.
The International Labour Organisation, however, says implementation remains a challenge. While hundreds of thousands of migrant workers have obtained approval to change jobs since reforms were introduced, some continue to face obstacles, including retaliation by employers.
The ILO has also identified the recovery of unpaid wages, access to justice and full implementation of protections for domestic workers as continuing priorities.
The Labour ministry already requires foreign employment contracts to be attested before workers leave the country. For those travelling to Qatar, the ministry says job offers should be endorsed by the labour attaché to verify that the position exists.
The challenge, however, has been ensuring these safeguards work effectively as recruitment expands.
The two countries also agreed to increase bilateral trade and investment and expand cooperation in tourism, sports, culture, education and food security.
They further expressed a desire to strengthen cooperation in civil aviation and transportation, areas they said would support trade, investment and tourism.
The latest consultations thus point to an effort by Nairobi and Doha to broaden their relationship beyond traditional diplomatic and economic ties, with labour migration emerging as one of the areas with the most direct impact on ordinary Kenyans.
The two sides are expected to hold the next round of political consultations in Nairobi, with the date to be agreed through diplomatic channels.
