By John Kariuki
Principal Secretary for Labour and Skills Development, Mr. Shadrack Mwadime, today delivered a detailed briefing to a special parliamentary committee on the newly ratified Migration and Mobility Partnership between Kenya and the Federal Republic of Germany. This landmark agreement marks a major milestone in enhancing bilateral cooperation on labour mobility, skills development, and ethical migration practices.
The PS emphasized that the agreement seeks to streamline labour exchanges by facilitating the sharing of labour market information and employment opportunities between the two nations. “The ultimate goal,” Mwadime said, “is to create fair and structured pathways for skilled workers, students, and apprentices to access training and employment in Germany.”
Among the key highlights of the agreement are provisions for ethical recruitment, improved consular support for migrants, and the implementation of mechanisms to combat irregular migration and human trafficking. Notably, the agreement prioritizes the protection and welfare of migrant workers and victims of trafficking.
A significant feature of the partnership is the opportunity for Kenyan students and apprentices to extend their stay in Germany after completing their training, in order to seek employment. Individuals who secure job offers will be eligible for temporary residence permits, which may later transition into permanent settlement status.
Germany has also committed to easing immigration pathways for skilled professionals, including waiving the traditional labour-market test. The agreement allows for the migration of information technology experts even in cases where formal qualifications may be lacking, provided they possess demonstrable skills.
To oversee the effective rollout of the partnership, both governments will constitute a Joint Implementation Committee tasked with monitoring, evaluation, and coordination. The agreement will remain in force until terminated by either side, with a 12-month advance notice required.
PS Mwadime hailed the pact as a “win-win” for both countries, noting that it not only opens doors for Kenyan professionals and trainees but also strengthens diplomatic and economic ties between Kenya and Germany.
“This partnership represents a transformative shift in how we approach labour mobility,” he noted. “It underscores Kenya’s commitment to empowering its workforce through structured, safe, and beneficial migration frameworks.”
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