Kenya and Qatar have agreed to hold annual Bilateral Political Consultations, creating a regular forum for the two countries to review their relations, address emerging issues and expand cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
The decision was reached during the inaugural consultations led by Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Korir Sing’Oei, CBS, and Qatar’s Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ahmed bin Hassan Al Hammadi.
The talks covered trade and investment, agriculture and food security, labour mobility, aviation, tourism, education, youth, sports, climate action and cooperation in multilateral forums.
Kenya used the meeting to push for greater Qatari investment in key areas of the economy, including renewable energy, agriculture, infrastructure, logistics, tourism and Special Economic Zones.
Nairobi also invited Qatar to take part in Kenya’s Sh25.8 billion (USD 200 million) Green Investment Fund, which is aimed at supporting investment in projects linked to sustainable development.
Labour mobility was also high on the agenda, with the two countries agreeing to speed up talks on the review of their 2012 Bilateral Labour Agreement.
Kenya welcomed the continued employment of its citizens in Qatar, where more than 70,000 Kenyans live and work.
The two sides also addressed challenges facing Kenyan meat exports to Qatar. Kenya asked Doha to review restrictions affecting the exports, with the two countries agreeing that their relevant technical authorities would continue discussions on the matter.
“The two sides discussed a wide range of areas, including trade and investment, agriculture and food security, labour mobility, aviation, tourism, education, youth, sports, climate action and multilateral cooperation,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
Aviation was another key area of discussion, with Kenya and Qatar welcoming growing cooperation between Kenya Airways and Qatar Airways.
The two countries identified opportunities to improve air connectivity, expand cargo cooperation and explore further partnerships in the aviation sector.
“The consultations further welcomed expanding cooperation between Kenya Airways and Qatar Airways, including increased air connectivity, cargo cooperation and opportunities for further aviation collaboration,” the ministry said.
The new annual consultations are expected to give both governments a structured way of following up on agreements, reviewing progress and identifying new areas for cooperation.
Kenya and Qatar agreed that the second Bilateral Political Consultations will take place in Nairobi in 2027.
“The two countries agreed that the Second Bilateral Political Consultations will be held in Nairobi in 2027, further strengthening the framework for regular political dialogue and follow-up,” the ministry said.
The inaugural meeting marks a new phase in the relationship between Nairobi and Doha as the two countries seek to widen cooperation beyond traditional diplomatic engagements.
The talks come as Kenya looks to attract more foreign capital into priority sectors while also expanding opportunities for Kenyans seeking employment abroad.
Qatar remains an important destination for Kenyan workers, while Kenya sees opportunities to attract Qatari investment into infrastructure, energy, agriculture, logistics and tourism.
The two governments said the consultations reaffirmed their commitment to shared prosperity, sustainable development and stronger ties between their people.
The annual meetings will also allow Kenya and Qatar to track commitments made during bilateral engagements and ensure that agreed areas of cooperation continue to move forward.