Kenya plans an investment promotion office in Jeddah to strengthen ties with Saudi investors.
Kenya will establish its second overseas investment promotion pilot in Saudi Arabia, targeting businesses and institutional investors.
Kenya plans to establish a Jeddah investment office to attract Saudi capital and strengthen commercial ties with Gulf businesses. The proposed hub will connect Saudi enterprises and institutional investors with investment opportunities in Kenya.
The office will become the second pilot under Kenya’s International Investment Offices Model, following the first in Hangzhou, China. Through this network, Kenya aims to bring investment promotion closer to major sources of foreign direct investment.
The Kenyan Embassy in Riyadh said the proposed office would promote investment opportunities and coordinate engagement with Saudi investors. Once operational, it will also showcase opportunities in the wider African market.
Jeddah investment office targets closer Saudi ties
The embassy describes Saudi Arabia as an important trade and investment partner with potential for stronger bilateral commerce. Meanwhile, Jeddah’s Red Sea location offers a platform for reaching businesses interested in Kenya, East Africa and other African markets.
Kenya is modelling the initiative on international investment promotion agencies, including the Japan External Trade Organization. That organisation operates a Riyadh office as part of its global network.
The planned hub will also draw on Kenya’s diplomatic networks, bilateral economic frameworks and existing strategic partnerships. These connections form part of efforts to deepen investment relations between Kenya and Saudi Arabia.
In addition, the initiative builds on export promotion agreements signed in July 2026. Those efforts include an extension of the partnership between Saudi EXIM Bank and the Kenya Development Corporation.
The Jeddah pilot forms part of Kenya’s broader strategy to establish dedicated offices in key foreign investment markets. Together with the Hangzhou office, it extends the country’s investment promotion network towards international capital and prospective investors.
