President William Ruto is stepping up Kenya’s diplomatic and economic outreach in the Gulf as the government opens its first Consulate General in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

On Monday, November 3, 2025, Kenya officially inaugurated the Consulate General in Jeddah, marking a new phase in relations with Saudi Arabia. Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei said the mission will strengthen diplomatic, economic, and people-to-people ties.

The move follows President Ruto’s directive to expand Kenya’s presence in strategic regions and improve services to citizens abroad.

The government also launched the Consulate’s 2024–2027 Strategic Plan, which focuses on better consular support, investment promotion and deeper cooperation in development and trade. Sing’Oei said the plan aligns with Kenya’s revised foreign policy and aims to deliver practical results for Kenyans in the Kingdom, including workers who need labour and welfare support.

Senior officials from both countries attended the ceremony, including Saudi Arabia’s Director-General of Foreign Affairs for the Makkah region, Fareed Al-Sheihri, and Kenya’s Consul General in Jeddah, Amb. Adan Mohammed.

Ruto advances Gulf diplomacy

The opening comes as President Ruto flies to Doha, Qatar, to pursue new investment opportunities and take part in the UN Second World Summit for Social Development. According to a statement from the State House, the president will seek funding for major infrastructure, energy and transport projects and meet Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

“While in Qatar, President Ruto will pursue key investment agreements to modernise Kenya’s infrastructure and advance major energy and transport projects,” the official communication stated.

The president will also push for expanded labour opportunities for Kenyan youth by strengthening the existing Kenya-Qatar Bilateral Labour Agreement. The government hopes to secure more skilled and technical job slots for Kenyan professionals in Qatar.

At the UN summit, Ruto will speak on behalf of Kenya and the Africa Group, calling for fairer global financing rules, better access to credit for developing countries and more inclusive global decision-making. He is expected to highlight priorities such as poverty reduction, decent work opportunities and universal access to essential services.