- President William Ruto departed for Qatar to strengthen diplomatic and investment ties between Nairobi and Doha
- The president will attend the UN World Summit for Social Development, where he is expected to push for fairer global financial systems
- Ruto will also meet Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to seal new deals in agriculture, energy, and transport
- His visit also aims to expand the Kenya-Qatar Labour Agreement to create more professional and technical job opportunities for Kenyans
Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.
President William Ruto has left the country for Qatar, in a mission aimed at deepening Kenya-Qatar relations.
Source: Twitter
The head of state is also keen on securing new investment deals and positioning Kenya as a key player in global development discussions.
According to the State House on Monday, November 3, the president’s trip will combine diplomatic engagement and economic diplomacy as he seeks to attract investments into Kenya’s infrastructure, energy, and agricultural sectors.
What is the purpose of Ruto’s trip to Qatar?
In a statement, state house spokesperson Hussein Mohamed explained that Ruto will also represent Kenya and the Africa Group at the United Nations Second World Summit for Social Development (WSSD2).
He is expected to advocate for fairer global financial systems and stronger representation for African countries in global decision-making forums.
The summit, themed around poverty reduction, decent work, and social inclusion, brings together world leaders, policymakers, and development experts.
Ruto’s message will highlight Kenya’s commitment to inclusive growth and his administration’s efforts to build an economy that works for all.
While in Doha, Ruto is also expected to hold high-level bilateral talks with His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar.
Which key engagements will Ruto have in Qatar?
The discussions will focus on expanding trade and investment cooperation, particularly in the areas of agriculture, energy, transportation, and logistics.
The two leaders are expected to finalise several investment agreements designed to modernise Kenya’s infrastructure and accelerate flagship projects in renewable energy and transport.
Mohamed stated that these deals are part of Ruto’s broader strategy to diversify Kenya’s development partnerships and reduce overreliance on traditional allies.
“The president will advance expanded Qatari investment and strategic partnerships in agriculture, particularly food security and climate-smart farming, as well as in renewable energy, green hydrogen, health, tourism, transport, and logistics,” read the statement seen by TUKO.co.ke.
Through targeted partnerships, the government aims to advance climate-smart agriculture, expand food security programs, and promote green hydrogen production.
Source: Facebook
Another key part of Ruto’s agenda in Qatar is the expansion of the Kenya-Qatar Bilateral Labour Agreement.
The new framework will include more professional and technical categories, creating broader employment pathways for Kenyan workers beyond domestic roles.
“He will also engage Qatari business leaders to broaden public-private partnerships. To expand youth employment and strengthen diaspora contribution, the President will pursue the expansion of the Kenya-Qatari Bilateral Labour Agreement to include more professional and technical roles, and enhance skills-training aligned with Qatar’s labour market needs. This will create new pathways for young Kenyans and support those already working in Qatar as they continue contributing to both economies,” read the statement in part.
Did Ruto secure jobs abroad?
Elsewhere, Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetang’ula praised Ruto’s administration for expanding employment opportunities abroad.
He claimed at least 80,000 Kenyans are now working in Qatar, a move he linked to Ruto’s labour mobility policies.
He also criticised Rigathi Gachagua’s suggestion that Kenyans should stop sending remittances until Ruto leaves office.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
