Kenya and Qatar strengthen bilateral ties with new labour agreement

By Robert Mutasi 

President William Ruto announced on Monday, October 7, 2024, that Kenya and Qatar are set to enhance their cooperation in various sectors. 

This announcement, shared on his verified social media accounts, highlights a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at eliminating barriers to labour mobility and creating job opportunities for skilled Kenyans in Qatar.

The MoU, which will take effect in December 2024, promises to open doors for Kenyan professionals in fields such as health, ICT, education, and hospitality. 

These workers will enjoy equal pay and benefits comparable to their international counterparts, marking a significant step towards fair and equitable employment practices.

During a meeting at State House Nairobi, President Ruto engaged in fruitful discussions with a high-level delegation from Qatar.

The delegation was led by Dr. Ali bin Samikh Al-Marri, Qatar’s Minister of Labour, and included Qatar’s Ambassador to Kenya, Mohammed Mutair Al-Enazi. 

The talks focused on enhancing labour mobility and exploring potential Qatari investments in Kenya.

President Ruto emphasized the importance of this agreement in his statement, saying, “We are working to eliminate barriers to labour mobility to create job opportunities for skilled Kenyans in Qatar.” 

This initiative is expected to significantly boost employment opportunities for Kenyans, allowing them to contribute their expertise to Qatar’s growing economy while benefiting from competitive salaries and working conditions.

The discussions also delved into potential investments by Qatar in Kenya, particularly in the Affordable Housing Programme. 

This initiative aims to address the housing deficit in Kenya by providing affordable housing solutions to its citizens.

The collaboration with Qatar is expected to bring in much-needed investment and expertise to accelerate the implementation of this programme.

Dr. Ali bin Samikh Al-Marri expressed Qatar’s commitment to strengthening its ties with Kenya, stating, “We are eager to work closely with Kenya to ensure that this partnership benefits both our nations. By facilitating the movement of skilled labour, we can create a win-win situation that promotes economic growth and development.”

The new MoU is a testament to the strong and growing relationship between Kenya and Qatar. 

It reflects a shared vision of mutual growth and development, with both nations committed to leveraging their strengths to achieve common goals. 

As the agreement comes into effect, it is expected to pave the way for more collaborative efforts in the future, further solidifying the bond between the two countries.

This development marks a significant milestone in Kenya-Qatar relations, promising a brighter future for Kenyan professionals and fostering deeper economic ties between the two nations.