NAIROBI, Kenya, Sep 24 — Kenya and Iraq are exploring new opportunities for Kenyan professionals to work in Iraq, with President William Ruto saying the two countries are looking at greater labour mobility, particularly for Kenyan educators.

📻 Breaking It Down

Ruto said he discussed the issue with Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York as the two countries seek to expand bilateral cooperation.

“Our discussions focused on expanding cooperation in trade and investment, education, energy, oil and natural gas, ICT, cultural exchange and human capital development,” Ruto said.

He said the talks also examined “greater labour mobility, particularly opportunities for Kenyan educators, to open new pathways for our skilled professionals and strengthen people-to-people ties.”

📌 What You Need to Know

The proposed expansion of labour mobility could create new opportunities for Kenyan teachers and other skilled professionals in Iraq, alongside efforts to deepen economic and commercial links between the two countries.

The meeting also placed energy among the priority areas for cooperation, including oil and natural gas.

Iraq is a major global oil producer and holds some of the world’s largest proven crude oil reserves, making its energy sector a potential area for expanded commercial engagement.

Kenya and Iraq have previously identified oil and gas, security, education and economic cooperation as areas with potential for closer engagement.

In 2024, Kenya’s National Assembly said the two countries were seeking to strengthen parliamentary and broader bilateral relations, with Iraq’s then ambassador highlighting its oil and gas sector as an area where Kenya could benefit from cooperation and investment.

Ruto described Kenya-Iraq relations as “warm and enduring” and said the two governments were working to deepen ties and unlock opportunities for their people and economies.

📰 Source: Capital FM Kenya