National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has held talks with Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Kenya Saad Abdullah AlNofaia on strengthening bilateral relations and expanding opportunities for Kenyans seeking employment in the Gulf country.
Wetang’ula said he received the Saudi envoy at his office at Parliament Buildings, where they discussed matters of mutual interest between Kenya and Saudi Arabia.
The discussions focused on parliamentary cooperation, economic diplomacy and labour migration, with particular attention to employment opportunities available to Kenyans in Saudi Arabia.
According to Wetang’ula, labour migration has become an important avenue for expanding employment opportunities for Kenyans while helping address pressure caused by unemployment in the country.
“Labour migration has played an important role in expanding employment opportunities for our people while helping ease pressure arising from unemployment in our country,” Wetang’ula said.
Kenya has increasingly looked to labour migration as a way of creating opportunities for its citizens abroad, particularly in countries where demand exists for workers in sectors such as domestic services, healthcare, hospitality and construction.
The engagement also comes amid efforts by the Kenyan government to strengthen labour and economic ties with Gulf states and improve opportunities for Kenyans working abroad.
Wetang’ula and Ambassador AlNofaia further reviewed the longstanding relationship between Kenya and Saudi Arabia, exploring possible areas for deeper cooperation.
The Speaker said Kenya values its partnership with Saudi Arabia and remains committed to strengthening parliamentary and diplomatic engagement between the two countries.
He added that closer relations could help create greater economic opportunities while strengthening people-to-people connections between Kenyans and Saudis.
Parliamentary diplomacy is expected to play a role in complementing government-to-government engagements by providing platforms for lawmakers from both countries to exchange experiences and promote cooperation.
Saudi Arabia remains an important partner for Kenya in the Middle East, with relations extending across trade, investment, labour, education and other areas of mutual interest.
Wetang’ula said Kenya would continue pursuing stronger ties with the Kingdom as part of efforts to secure economic opportunities for its citizens.
The meeting underscores Nairobi’s continued focus on economic diplomacy, particularly initiatives aimed at opening international employment and investment opportunities for Kenyans.
Wetang’ula said deeper engagement with Saudi Arabia would ultimately benefit both countries and their citizens through expanded cooperation and stronger bilateral ties.