Considering the only kobolds we have seen yet have just been props for Gale to blow up, I would recommand not to hold your breath. They will most likely be used for the same reason as gnolls : as moving targets.
Well, I’d be surprised if we didn’t get some kobold enemies somewhere during our Sword Coast explorations, but hopefully when we get to the melting pot of Baldur’s Gate we have the opportunity to see the odd representative of generally-considered-monstrous races in a different context. And even for kobold enemies, I’d hope they’re treated more like the goblins than the gnolls and don’t just attack on sight (unless we’re given a good story reason for this).
