Kenya–United Arab Emirates relations

Kenyan – Emirati relations

Kenya
United Arab Emirates

Kenya – United Arab Emirates relations entails the diplomatic relations between Kenya and the United Arab Emirates.

History

The relations between the two first came into limelight when the UAE imposed sanctions on Kenyans travelling to the UAE for work or residence to have a degree or qualification, a move that triggered anxiety to the large Kenyan expatriate community in the UAE.[1] The move was thought to be in retaliation after Kenyan authorities arrested and deported four UAE citizens on suspicions of being terrorists; it is speculated that some of those deported were from a royal family in the UAE.[2]

State visits

In 2011, President Mwai Kibaki made a state visit to the UAE and held talks with the President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum he also met the Crown Prince of Dubai Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

In 2014, President Uhuru Kenyatta made a state visit to the UAE, he held talks with Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. They held talks about counter terrorism and youth radicalisation.[3] They also witnessed the signing of a trade agreement. The Promotion and Protection of Investments will see more FDI from the UAE and will ease Kenyan companies wanting to do business in the UAE.[4]

The Kenyan President also met the Interior Minister and Deputy Prime Minister of UAE, His Highness Sheikh Saif Bin Zayed. He also held talks with the UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Abdalla Bin Zayed.[3]

Trade

In 2013, Kenyan imports from the UAE stood at KES. 143 billion (EUR. 1.348 billion). Made up mostly of oil and petroleum products. Kenyan exports to the UAE stood at KES. 30 billion (EUR. 286 million).[5]

Total trade between both countries stood at KES. 173 billion (EUR. 1.634 billion). This made the UAE Kenya's 4th largest trading partner and the largest trading partner and export destination in the Middle East.[5]

The UAE is Kenya's 5th largest export destination and the 4th largest import source.[5]

As of 2010, approximately 36,000 Kenyans work in the UAE.[6]

Diplomatic missions

Kenya maintains an embassy in Abu Dhabi and a consulate in Dubai.

In August 2014, the UAE announced that it would upgrade its Nairobi mission to the largest in Africa. The mission would actively participate in linking Kenyans with job opportunities in the UAE.[6]

References

  1. ↑
  2. ↑ Kenya-UAE resolve visa row: Kenya Broadcasting Corporation
  3. 1 2 . Uhuru holds security talks with UAE, Jordanian leaders. Retrieved on 19 January 2015.
  4. ↑ . Kenya inks key trade pact with United Arab Emirates. Retrieved on 19 January 2015.
  5. 1 2 3 . Kenya, Trade with World. Retrieved on 19 January 2015.
  6. 1 2 . UAE consulate to hire directly for Dubai jobs. Retrieved on 19 January 2015.
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