Qatar to offer 13,000 new job opportunities to Kenyans, raising total Kenyan workers to about 90,000. A Qatar Visa Centre will open in Nairobi by early 2026 to streamline safe recruitment.
President William Ruto has returned from a state visit to Qatar with fresh commitments aimed at expanding employment opportunities for Kenyans and strengthening economic ties between the two nations.
Qatar has agreed to provide 13,000 additional job slots for Kenyan workers. This will increase the number of Kenyans working in the Gulf state to around 90,000.
The two countries also announced that a Qatari Visa Centre will be opened in Nairobi by early 2026. The centre is expected to simplify recruitment procedures and help protect workers from exploitation by unauthorized agents.
During the trip, President Ruto reaffirmed the Kenya Airways and Qatar Airways cooperation to support air connectivity, tourism and trade between the two countries.
At the same time, the Nairobi International Financial Centre Authority and the Qatar Financial Centre signed a partnership agreement aimed at boosting Nairobi’s position as a growing regional financial hub.
This agreement opens more doors for financial, investment and business cooperation between the two economies.
President Ruto held discussions with Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, focusing on long-term investment in Kenya’s development priorities.
Qatar has shown interest in: Mega-dam irrigation programme, targeting 2 million acres under irrigation. Agriculture and water development projects.
Infrastructure and national development funds, including the Sovereign Wealth Fund and National Infrastructure Fund.These investments are expected to boost food production, promote industrial growth, and support large-scale national projects.
The President also met Kenyans living in Doha, where he promised steps to improve diaspora services. These include:
Launch of a diaspora bond to allow Kenyans abroad to invest back home.
Faster and more efficient passport services.
Stricter oversight of labour recruitment agencies to ensure fairness and safety.
While addressing the United Nations Social Development Summit on behalf of the Africa Group, President Ruto called for: Debt relief Digital inclusion Fair global trade systems.
Reforms within the UN to better represent developing countries.He emphasized that Africa’s development should be supported by fair global structures, not burdened by heavy debts.
The visit marks a step toward expanding employment, strengthening economic partnerships, and deepening diplomatic ties between Kenya and Qatar.
