Ruto to Push for Expansion of Kenya-Qatar Labour Deal During UN Summit in Doha

President William Ruto has departed the country to attend the United Nations Second World Summit for Social Development (WSSD2) in Doha, Qatar, where he is set to lobby for an expansion of the Kenya-Qatar labour agreement to create more employment opportunities for Kenyan youth.

According to State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed, President Ruto will use the global platform to strengthen Kenya’s economic partnerships, attract new investment, and push for reforms to promote fair global financial systems. Mohamed, however, did not disclose when the President is expected to return to the country.

“President William Ruto departs this evening for Doha, Qatar, to strengthen economic partnerships, attract investment, and participate in the UN Second World Summit for Social Development (WSSD2), which will focus on poverty reduction, decent work, and social inclusion,” Mohamed said in a statement.

While in Doha, President Ruto will address the summit on behalf of Kenya and the African Group, emphasizing the need for fair international financial systems, universal access to essential services, stronger multilateral cooperation, and enhanced African representation in global decision-making bodies.

The Head of State will also hold a high-level meeting with Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, to discuss deepening bilateral relations in trade, investment, and other key development sectors.

Ruto is expected to champion the expansion of the Kenya-Qatar Bilateral Labour Agreement to include more professional and technical roles, with a focus on aligning training and employment with Qatar’s labour market demands. The move aims to open new pathways for Kenyan youth and enhance their contribution to both economies.

“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 training aligned with Qatar’s labour market needs,” Mohamed noted.

The President will also meet with leading Qatari investors to explore opportunities in renewable energy, green hydrogen, health, tourism, transport, and logistics, as part of efforts to attract more investment into Kenya’s economy.

Ruto’s Doha visit comes nearly two months after his trip to Yokohama, Japan, where he attended the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9).

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Ruto to Push for Expansion of Kenya-Qatar Labour Deal During UN Summit in Doha