Germany’s Federal Ministry of the Interior and Communities has denied reports that the country has signed a labour agreement with Kenya to host 250,000 Kenyan workers.
President William Ruto, who has been on an official visit to Germany since Thursday, signed a labour, talent and mobility agreement at a ceremony at the Chancellery in Berlin that was witnessed by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
While details of the agreement remain scarce, no specific number of workers was mentioned.
Some media had reported that the deal would create jobs for 250,000 Kenyans.
“This information is clearly incorrect. The agreement between Germany and Kenya does not include any numbers or quotas of skilled workers who will have the opportunity to work in our country,” the German Ministry of the Interior and Home Affairs said on Platform X.
“All applicants must fulfil the strict requirements of the German Skilled Worker Immigration Act.”.
The Kenyan government has not officially responded to the latest development or offered any clarification.
The agreement emphasises cooperation between Kenya and Germany in promoting fair mobility of skilled workers, students and trainees, including opportunities for temporary migration for vocational training, employment and seasonal work.
The two governments committed to ethical recruitment practices, the provision of labour market information and cooperation on consular services for skilled workers.
They also agreed to tackle irregular migration, human trafficking, forced labour and exploitation, while ensuring the protection of victims.
The agreement will also establish a Joint Implementation Committee, made up of representatives from both countries, to oversee its implementation.
The committee will include officials from the ministries of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora Affairs, Labour, Immigration and Education, among others.
President Ruto welcomed the agreement, highlighting the job opportunities it will create for Kenyans and the strengthened ties between the two nations.
“The signing of the Comprehensive Labour Mobility Agreement will go a long way in creating job opportunities for Kenyans and also strengthen our ties with Germany,” he said, urging Germany to tap into Kenya’s highly skilled workforce.
