Mudavadi Begins Saudi Visit with Focus on Kenyan Workers and Trade

Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi has begun a three-day official visit to Riyadh, where talks will focus on the welfare of Kenyan workers and stronger trade relations with Saudi Arabia.

Labour issues are a key part of the visit, with discussions expected to address the welfare of more than 300,000 Kenyans working in Saudi Arabia. Kenya is seeking better working conditions, stronger labour protections, fair dispute resolution mechanisms and measures to prevent exploitative recruitment practices. 

The government says the talks are intended to improve safeguards for Kenyan workers employed in the Gulf. Trade and investment will also feature prominently in the discussions. 

Kenya is seeking greater access to the Saudi market for exports including tea, cut flowers, fruits and vegetables, while exploring opportunities to expand the range of goods sold to the kingdom. Jacob Ng’etich, Director of Press Service in the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary, said Kenya would pursue wider market access for its premium exports while identifying new export opportunities in Saudi Arabia.

The two countries are also expected to discuss cooperation in agriculture, food security, renewable energy, logistics, aviation and maritime affairs. Other areas on the agenda include the digital economy, manufacturing and climate resilience as Kenya seeks to strengthen economic cooperation across a range of sectors.

The visit reflects Kenya’s efforts to deepen its diplomatic and economic partnership with Saudi Arabia while advancing practical outcomes for its citizens and businesses. The relationship has developed over many years, and the latest discussions are expected to focus on expanding cooperation in areas that support economic growth and development.

The outcome of the talks will be closely watched by Kenyan workers in Saudi Arabia and by officials in Nairobi. The government hopes the visit will lead to stronger protections for its citizens abroad while creating new opportunities for trade, investment and long-term economic cooperation between the two countries.