Kenya and Saudi Arabia explore labour mobility and diaspora services cooperation
By Ndiritu Wanjiru, May 7, 2026The State Department for Diaspora Affairs has stepped up its efforts to strengthen the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s diplomatic engagement in Kenya, following a high-level meeting between the Principal Secretary for Diaspora Affairs, Roseline Njogu, and the Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Kenya, Saad bin Abdullah Alnofaia.
Taking it to its X handles on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, the State Department for Diaspora Affairs has said it has stepped up its diplomatic engagements with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia after a high-level meeting between the principal secretary for diaspora affairs, Roseline Njogu, and the Saudi Arabian ambassador to Kenya, Saad bin Abdullah Al Nofaia.
The meeting was oriented towards the development of more formalised labour mobility pathways for better opportunities and protections for Kenyans in Saudi Arabia. The two also discussed ways to improve the services that the Kenyan citizens living and working in the Gulf nation could avail themselves of through the consulates.
“The discussions focused on deepening bilateral relations, establishing more structured labour mobility pathways, enhancing consular services for the Kenyan diaspora in Saudi Arabia, and strengthening people-to-people ties between the two countries,” the State Department for Diaspora Affairs stated.
Focus of formalised labour mobility
The department has further noted that the meeting was also focused towards the development of more formalised labour mobility pathways for better opportunities and protections for Kenyans in Saudi Arabia. The two also discussed ways to improve the services that the Kenyan citizens living and working in the Gulf nation could avail themselves of through the consulates.
The authorities also talked about enhancing people-to-people connections amidst the enhancement of cooperation between the two parties in the field of labour, diplomacy, and social relations.
The match-up coincides with a drive Kenya has been making to strengthen its labour relations with the Gulf States in order to facilitate the processes of migrant labour and improve conditions for Kenyans working in the region.
The Saudi Embassy in Nairobi’s political section head, Mohammed Abdullah Alghofaili, and two Foreign Service officers, Ms Felister Kibati and Ms Velma Mudibo, were also in attendance at the meeting.