Kenya and Qatar agree to deepen bilateral cooperation

Kenya and Qatar have agreed to institutionalize annual Bilateral Political Consultations, a move intended to strengthen political dialogue and deepen cooperation between the two countries. The inaugural round was held in Doha.

The consultations were led by Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Korir Sing’Oei, CBS, and Qatar’s Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Dr. Ahmed bin Hassan Al Hammadi. The two sides reviewed existing areas of cooperation and identified new opportunities for economic and diplomatic engagement, while exchanging views on regional and international issues of common concern.

The talks spanned a broad agenda, Dr. Sing’Oei said, covering:

•    Trade and investment
•    Agriculture and food security
•    Labour mobility
•    Aviation and tourism
•    Education, youth and sports
•    Climate action and multilateral cooperation

Inviting Qatari investment

Kenya used the consultations to invite increased Qatari investment in priority sectors of its economy, including renewable energy, agriculture, infrastructure, logistics, tourism, and Special Economic Zones. Nairobi also called on Qatar to take part in Kenya’s USD 200 million Green Investment Fund, which is designed to back projects aligned with the country’s green-growth and sustainable-development priorities.

Labour, meat exports and aviation

Labour mobility featured prominently. The two countries agreed to expedite discussions on reviewing the 2012 Bilateral Labour Agreement and to explore new opportunities for recruiting skilled workers. Dr. Sing’Oei welcomed continued employment opportunities for Kenyans in Qatar, where more than 70,000 Kenyans live and work.

Kenya also asked Qatar to review restrictions affecting Kenyan meat exports, with both sides agreeing that the relevant technical authorities would continue consultations toward a mutually acceptable solution. On connectivity, the two sides welcomed expanding cooperation between Kenya Airways and Qatar Airways, including increased air connectivity, cargo cooperation, and scope for further aviation collaboration.

“Both sides expressed their desire to strengthen cooperation in the sectors of civil aviation and transportation, contributing to the support of trade, investment, and tourism,” the joint statement said.

A framework for regular dialogue

The two countries agreed that the Second Bilateral Political Consultations will be held in Nairobi in 2027, reinforcing the framework for regular political dialogue and follow-up. The inaugural round marks a milestone in Kenya–Qatar relations and reaffirms both countries’ commitment to shared prosperity, sustainable development, and stronger people-to-people ties.

Source: Ministry of Foreign & Diaspora Affairs, Kenya. Doha, August 11, 2026.