Kenya, Germany sign labour mobility deal

Kenya and Germany have signed the much-anticipated agreement on sharing labour, talent, and mobility.

The purpose of the comprehensive agreement is to provide a framework for cooperation and information exchange on labour mobility, apprenticeships, student training, labour market needs, employment, employee welfare, and the readmission and return of workers.

The signing ceremony, held at the Chancellery in Berlin, Germany, was witnessed by President William Ruto and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Friday.

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and German Minister for Interior and Homeland Affairs Nancy Faeser signed the historic deal.

Kenya and Germany have committed to cooperating in promoting the fair mobility of skilled workers, students, and apprentices. They will also promote temporary migration for vocational education, training, and gainful employment, including exploring opportunities for seasonal work.

Other commitments include promoting residence in Germany for gainful employment, including temporary residence for job seekers, and collaborating in skills development and training.

The two governments also resolved to work together to ensure fair and ethical recruitment practices, provide labour market information, and cooperate in delivering consular services for skilled workers, students, and apprentices.

They also pledged to combat irregular migration, people smuggling, forced labour, labour exploitation, human trafficking, and to protect victims, among other issues.

Additionally, the agreement will facilitate the placement of Kenyans in opportunities in Germany, alleviate German labour shortages, and promote the mobility of skilled workers, apprentices, and students for training, vocational education, and employment, including temporary jobs.

Under the agreement, Kenya and Germany also agreed to provide mutual assistance in the application and interpretation of the deal. A Joint Implementation Committee, with representatives from both countries, will be established.

The committee will convene at least once a year at the request of either country or as needed.

The Joint Implementation Committee will include representatives from the ministries responsible for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Labour, Immigration, Education, and any other relevant ministry or agency.

Addressing a media conference with Chancellor Scholz after the signing ceremony, President Ruto welcomed the agreement, stating it would create numerous job opportunities for Kenyans.

"The signing of the Comprehensive Labour Mobility Agreement will significantly enhance job opportunities for Kenyans and strengthen our relations with Germany," he said.

The President encouraged Germany to leverage Kenya’s highly skilled human capital, noting it is among the best in the world.

"We have exceptional human resources that are young, energetic, creative, hardworking, and innovative," President Ruto said.

He urged German investors to explore the many investment opportunities in Kenya.

Chancellor Scholz expressed that the mutual trust between Kenya and Germany would help identify areas where the two countries "can make a difference together."

He stated that the agreement will enable both nations to exploit opportunities for the benefit of their citizens.

Earlier, President Ruto expressed Kenya's interest in new collaborations in digital innovation with German companies, including exchanges in digital and research skills and knowledge generation.

"Together, we aim to promote good labour practices, skills and technology transfer, job creation, and infrastructure support for digital jobs," he said.

The President highlighted Kenya's advancements in technology, noting that they are broadening the country’s reach and transforming global connections.

German Parliamentary Secretary Daniela Kluckert acknowledged that Kenya has become a leading investment destination in Africa.

"Growing demand for skilled workers in Germany necessitates collaboration with Kenya as part of our effort to address labour shortages," she said.

Also present were Mr. Mudavadi and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.