A Kenyan delegation attending the Human Resources and Labour Services Expo 2024 in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia paid a courtesy call on Ambassador Mohammed Ramadhan Ruwange, Kenyan Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).
The delegation, led by Ambassador Isaiya Kabira, Secretary of Investments and Entrepreneurship, included key officials such as Ambassador Saadia Salim, Deputy Head of Mission at the Kenyan Embassy in Riyadh, along with other embassy staff, Ruth Kitonyi, Assistant Director, and Chris Ndegwa, Foreign Service Officer.
During the meeting, Ambassador Kabira outlined Kenya’s strategic objectives for participating in the Expo, emphasizing Kenya's strong commitment to promoting its workforce across a variety of sectors.
“Our participation in the Expo is an opportunity to showcase Kenya’s skilled workforce and to foster partnerships that can drive entrepreneurship, job creation, and skills development,” said Kabira.
Ambassador Kabira highlighted the valuable role of the Kenyan diaspora in Saudi Arabia, noting the substantial contributions Kenyans make to Kenya's socio-economic development.
With a significant number of Kenyans currently living and working in Saudi Arabia, Ambassador Kabira underlined the potential for enhanced cooperation in areas such as entrepreneurship and job creation to strengthen Kenya’s position as a strategic partner in the region.
In response, Ambassador Ruwange briefed the delegation on the current status of Kenyans residing and working in Saudi Arabia, sharing ongoing efforts by the Embassy to improve their welfare and working conditions.
He emphasized the importance of continuous engagement to address the needs and concerns of the Kenyan community in Saudi Arabia, ensuring that their voices are heard and their rights upheld.
This session offered a critical platform for the Kenyan community in Saudi Arabia to share their experiences, voice their concerns, and discuss the challenges they face while living and working abroad.
Ambassador Kabira acknowledged the diaspora’s important role, reaffirming the Kenyan government’s commitment to supporting the community in KSA.
“The Kenyan diaspora in Saudi Arabia is essential to Kenya’s economic and social fabric, and we must ensure that your voices are part of our national dialogue,” said Kabira.
In addition to addressing specific concerns, the engagement reinforced the Embassy’s dedication to providing continued support and advocacy for the welfare of Kenyans abroad. Ambassador Kabira further commended the State Department for Diaspora Affairs for its active role in championing the needs of Kenyans overseas.
The discussions also spotlighted the importance of consistent dialogue between the government and the diaspora, fostering an environment where Kenyan nationals working abroad feel supported, respected, and connected to their home country.
The session concluded with a call to action for all stakeholders to strengthen partnerships and build frameworks that better address the issues affecting Kenyan nationals in Saudi Arabia.
This courtesy call and diaspora engagement underline Kenya’s ongoing commitment to the welfare and empowerment of its diaspora community, aiming to enhance Kenya-Saudi relations and foster economic and social development for Kenyans both at home and abroad.
