Kenya and Germany have entered a new era of cooperation with the signing of the Comprehensive Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement in Berlin.
The landmark accord, which aims to enhance collaboration in labour mobility, education, and vocational training, was signed during President William Ruto’s official visit to Germany.
The agreement was witnessed by both President Ruto and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
During a press briefing alongside Scholz following the signing ceremony, Ruto expressed his approval of the agreement, emphasising its potential to generate numerous employment opportunities for Kenyans.
Ruto also underscored the significance of this milestone in the relationship between the two nations.
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"The signing of the Comprehensive Labour Mobility Agreement will significantly contribute to providing job opportunities for Kenyans and further enhance our relations with Germany," he stated.
"Together, we are keen on promoting good labour practices, skills and technology transfer, job creation and infrastructural support for digital jobs."
On his part, Scholz highlighted the importance of enhanced cooperation between Germany and Kenya in the field of migration.
"Another important joined ambition for both of us is cooperating more closely in the area of migration," Scholz stated.
He noted that an agreement had been signed between the Federal Minister of the Interior, Nancy Faeser, and Kenya's Foreign Minister, Musalia Mudavadi, aimed at facilitating a Mobility Partnership.
According to Scholz, this agreement holds significant potential for both nations, particularly by opening up opportunities for skilled workers and young trainees from Kenya to work in Germany.
"It offers new prospects for Kenyan men and women because skilled workers and young trainees can come to Germany. It can help us To bridge the severe shortage of skilled labour and the first impacts of course, are already being felt. And we see that there is this shortage that we need to address," he added.
This agreement establishes a solid framework for cooperation and information exchange on critical areas such as labour mobility, apprenticeships, student training, and employment.
Importantly, it also includes provisions concerning the readmission and return of employees, effectively managing the movement of workers between Kenya and Germany.
Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary, Musalia Mudavadi, and the Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs joined forces with Germany’s Minister of Interior to formalise the partnership.
The agreement is set to provide multiple benefits, particularly in facilitating skilled labour migration from Kenya to Germany.
One of the key highlights of the agreement is Germany’s commitment to issue long-stay residence visas to qualified Kenyans, allowing them to pursue vocational training and education in the country.
Once their long-stay visas expire, these Kenyans may be granted temporary residence permits for up to two years to continue their studies, with further extensions possible.
Additionally, Germany has agreed to waive the labour-market test for Kenyan workers seeking employment, streamlining the process for skilled Kenyans who have completed vocational training or possess recognised university degrees.
The collaboration will extend to vocational education and training, with Germany providing Kenya with capacity-building and skills development support.
President Ruto’s visit to Germany was also marked by his attendance at the Annual Citizens' Festival (Burgerfest), where Kenya was invited as the Profile Partner Country—an honour never before bestowed upon a non-European nation.
Beyond the festival, President Ruto engaged with German business leaders at a CEO Forum, where he promoted investment opportunities in Kenya, with particular emphasis on tourism.
During the festival, various Kenyan exhibitors, including the New Kenya Planters Co-operative Union (KPCU) and the Kenya Diaspora Alliance Germany, showcased Kenya’s achievements in agriculture, trade, and culture.
The Chairman of the Kenya Diaspora Alliance Germany, Cyrus Robiro, stressed the importance of the President's attendance at the event, stating: “The strong relations between Kenya and Germany will boost trade and address unemployment at home as many Kenyans will get job opportunities here in Germany.”
This historic partnership represents a significant advancement in Kenya-Germany relations. By opening doors for skilled Kenyans to access employment and educational opportunities in Germany, the agreement is expected to bring long-term benefits to both nations while deepening cooperation across various sectors.
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