Sing'Oei presides over inauguration of Kenyan Consulate General in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs Dr. Korir Sing’Oei presides over the inauguration of the Consulate General of the Republic of Kenya in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia/HANDOUT

Kenya has officially opened its Consulate General in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, marking a significant step in enhancing diplomatic, economic, and consular ties between the two countries.

The inauguration took place on Monday, November 3, and was presided over by Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs Dr. Korir Sing’Oei, who represented the Government of Kenya.

“Today we officially inaugurated the Consulate General of the Republic of Kenya in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, marking a major milestone in the strengthening of diplomatic, economic, and people-to-people relations between Kenya and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”

The establishment of the Consulate is in line with President William Ruto’s directive to expand Kenya’s diplomatic presence in strategic global locations.

It also aligns with the Kenya Foreign Policy and the government’s commitment to improving service delivery to citizens living abroad.

The ceremony was attended by Fareed Al-Sheihri, Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the Makkah Region, along with senior Kenyan officials including Ambassador Designate to Saudi Arabia Joseph Masila, Consul General in Jeddah Amb. Aden Mohammed, and outgoing Ambassador to Riyadh Amb. Mohammed Ruwange.

Members of the diplomatic corps and representatives of the Kenyan diaspora in Saudi Arabia were also present.

Sing’Oei said the new Consulate will complement the existing Kenyan Embassy in Riyadh by offering services to Kenyans living in the western region of Saudi Arabia, particularly in Jeddah, Makkah, Madinah, and surrounding areas.

It will also strengthen bilateral cooperation and support new opportunities in trade, labour, tourism, education, and cultural exchange under Saudi Vision 2030 and Kenya’s Vision 2030 development agendas.

During the event, the Consulate’s 2024-2027 Strategic Plan was unveiled.

The plan sets out the mission’s commitment to effective diplomacy, accountability and the advancement of Kenya’s national interests while promoting shared prosperity between Kenya and Saudi Arabia.

“The Plan reflects the Consulate’s commitment to effective diplomacy, accountability, and transformative impact, guided by the shared vision of promoting Kenya’s interests and fostering mutual prosperity between the two nations,” the PS said.

Sing’Oei described the opening of the Consulate as a landmark achievement in deepening Kenya’s presence in the Middle East.

He emphasised that it would boost cooperation in commerce, investment, labor migration, and other sectors, while improving support for Kenyan citizens abroad.

At the ceremony, Sing’Oei held discussions with Consul General Aden Mohammed, who commended Kenyans in Saudi Arabia for their discipline and contribution to the country’s positive reputation.

The Principal Secretary also met Consuls General from Tanzania, Côte d'Ivoire, Cameroon, the Philippines, Djibouti, Somalia, Bangladesh, and The Gambia, who pledged support for the new Consulate.

He later held discussions with members of the Kenyan diaspora, acknowledging their role as brand ambassadors and contributors to Kenya’s development.

Sing’Oei also held a meeting with Consulate staff, where he praised their teamwork and encouraged continued collaboration in delivering efficient and effective services.