Kenya on Monday inaugurated its Consulate General in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, a key milestone in expanding the country’s diplomatic presence and improving services for Kenyans abroad.
The move, aligned with President William Ruto’s directive to strengthen Kenya’s global footprint, aims to enhance trade, investment, labour relations, and cultural exchange between Kenya and Saudi Arabia.
“The Government of the Republic of Kenya has officially inaugurated the Consulate General of the Republic of Kenya in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, marking a major milestone in the strengthening of diplomatic, economic, and people-to-people relations,” the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs said in a statement.
The inauguration ceremony was presided over by Korir Sing’Oei, Principal Secretary of the State Department for Foreign Affairs, representing the Government of Kenya.
He was joined by Fareed Al-Sheihri, Director General of the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the Makkah Region.
Also in attendance were Joseph Masila, Ambassador Designate to Saudi Arabia, Ambassador Aden Mohammed, the new Consul General in Jeddah, Ambassador Mohammed Ruwange, the outgoing envoy in Riyadh, members of the diplomatic corps, and representatives of the Kenyan community living in the Kingdom.
“The Consulate General will complement the work of the Kenya Embassy in Riyadh by extending services to the western region of Saudi Arabia, particularly to the thousands of Kenyan nationals living and working in Jeddah, Makkah, Madinah, and surrounding areas,” the statement noted.
According to the Ministry, the new mission will also enhance bilateral cooperation and support Saudi Vision 2030 and Kenya’s Vision 2030, focusing on mutual growth through trade, investment, and innovation.
During the ceremony, the Consulate’s 2024–2027 Strategic Plan was unveiled, outlining its commitment to effective diplomacy, accountability, and advancing Kenya’s national interests abroad.
The plan seeks to reinforce Kenya’s reputation as a proactive diplomatic partner and ensure the welfare of its citizens in Saudi Arabia.
Sing’Oei hailed the opening as a transformative step in deepening bilateral engagement, saying the mission would improve Kenya’s commerce, investment, labour, tourism, education, and cultural interaction with Saudi Arabia.
He also met and held discussions with the Consul General and commended Kenyans living in Saudi Arabia for their discipline, resilience, and contribution to the country’s global image.
“The Principal Secretary also met other Consuls General from Tanzania, Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Philippines, Djibouti, Somalia, Bangladesh, and the Gambia, who offered support to the Consulate,” the ministry said.
Later, Sing’Oei held a consultative session with the Kenyan Diaspora community, acknowledging their vital role as brand ambassadors of Kenya and urging them to continue upholding the nation’s image abroad.
He concluded his visit by meeting the newly appointed Consulate staff, where he commended their teamwork and urged them to maintain collaboration, professionalism, and efficiency in service delivery.
The Jeddah Consulate becomes Kenya’s second diplomatic mission in Saudi Arabia, complementing the existing embassy in Riyadh.
It is expected to strengthen consular services, expand trade and investment opportunities, and support Kenyans living and working in the western parts of the Kingdom.
The Ministry said the opening demonstrates Kenya’s growing global engagement and commitment to ensuring that citizens abroad receive quality and timely diplomatic services.
“This inauguration is a reflection of Kenya’s firm resolve to deepen its international partnerships while promoting the welfare of its people across borders,” the ministry stated.
The Consulate officially began operations following the launch and is set to serve as a hub for regional cooperation, reinforcing Kenya’s role as a trusted diplomatic and economic partner in the Gulf region.
