Kenya, Algeria to deepen ties in trade, education and labour programs -

By Newsflash Repoter

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to strengthening ties with Algeria across trade, education, and labour mobility. Speaking in Algiers during the Fourth Intra-Africa Trade Fair, Kindiki emphasized that Algeria remains one of Kenya’s strongest partners in North Africa, with opportunities for expanded collaboration.

Kindiki, who represented President William Ruto at the continental trade forum, held talks with Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, focusing on growing cooperation between the two nations. He said the discussions centered on boosting trade, improving student exchanges, and exploring labour agreements.

“We are going to firm up our bilateral relations because Algeria is keen to buy our coffee, tea, meat, powder milk, avocado, citrus fruits and others,” Kindiki stated, adding that Kenya’s Trade Minister Lee Kinyanjui had joined him to push for trade agreements.

Expanding education and student opportunities

Kindiki met Kenyan students and professionals living in Algeria, encouraging them to seize new opportunities, particularly as Algeria transitions to English as a language of instruction. This shift, he noted, could open teaching and training opportunities for Kenyan graduates.

He also assured students abroad that the government is exploring mechanisms to extend HELB loans to those studying in foreign institutions. “I am optimistic we can work on extending financial support through HELB to students abroad,” he said.

The Deputy President further highlighted Kenya’s ongoing education reforms aimed at making learning more accessible and internationally competitive. He reassured students that the government is working to address issues of professional recognition and qualification equivalence faced by Kenyans abroad.

Labour mobility, agriculture and long-term growth

Kenya is also targeting Algeria in its Kazi Majuu program, which seeks to create opportunities for Kenyan workers abroad. The country has already signed six bilateral labour agreements and is negotiating with 13 others. Kindiki said talks with Algeria are underway to ensure Kenyans sent abroad work under clear terms with guaranteed protections.

“We are looking into negotiating a bilateral labour agreement with Algeria so that before we send people abroad we know where they are going to work, the employer, salary, and how to repatriate them if they meet challenges,” he explained.

On agriculture, Kindiki praised Algeria’s donation of 16,000 metric tonnes of fertilizer to Kenya, which has supported the government’s subsidy program. He noted the partnership was already contributing to higher food production and underscored the need for sustained growth strategies.

The Deputy President also revealed plans to operationalize direct flights between Nairobi and Algiers, which would ease travel that currently requires transit through Europe or the Middle East.

Calling on students to act as ambassadors for Kenya, Kindiki urged unity and national pride: “We may not be perfect, but we are a work in progress. Every citizen has something they can do or say that can add value to our national development.”