NAIROBI, Kenya – In a landmark diplomatic gesture, President William Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga united in Berlin to sign two pivotal labor agreements, setting the stage for skilled young Kenyans to work in German companies.
The deals, seen as a game-changer for Kenya’s job market, were also witnessed by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and Labor Cabinet Secretary Dr. Alfred Mutua.
The first agreement, signed between the Kenyan government and the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce, was facilitated by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation.
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This deal allows Hamburg-based companies to tap into Kenya’s remote talent pool, with Nakuru County chosen as the pilot region.
The initiative aims to bridge Germany’s labor shortages with Kenya’s skilled workforce, particularly in technology and innovation sectors.
“Kenya is fast becoming the Silicon Savanna,” said President Ruto, addressing the crowd at the Ritz Carlton in Berlin. “This partnership will fuse Germany’s technological prowess with Kenya’s talent, driving innovation, manufacturing, and job creation. It’s a win-win for both nations.”
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary for Diaspora Affairs, Roseline Njogu, signed on behalf of Kenya, while Professor Karl-Heinz Paque of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation and Michael Beck of the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce signed for the German side. Dr. Shiko Gitau represented Qhala Trust, a key Kenyan tech partner.
Ruto underscored Kenya’s competitive edge in human capital and green energy, positioning the nation as the gateway to Africa’s market.
He further emphasized the historical ties between the two countries, referencing Raila Odinga’s academic background in Germany, which laid the foundation for his political career.
“Our relationship with Germany dates back to our independence,” Ruto said, “and today we are deepening that bond, providing new opportunities for both our youth and Germany’s industries.”
In a separate ceremony at Berlin’s Chancery, President Ruto signed a comprehensive migration and mobility agreement with the German government. This framework will facilitate cooperation on labor mobility, apprenticeships, student exchange programs, and employee welfare.
Professor Paque acknowledged the mutual benefits of the agreements, noting that Germany’s aging population and Kenya’s youthful, skilled workforce create the perfect demographic synergy. “The digital division of labor offers immense potential,” he said, stressing that remote work could address Germany’s labor demands while providing employment opportunities to Kenyan youth without requiring physical migration.
While some sectors, such as hospitality and caregiving, still require in-person labor, this collaboration focuses on leveraging Kenya’s technological talent for remote opportunities. Paque also highlighted the challenges Germany faces regarding migrant integration, particularly in the wake of recent state elections, which have seen a backlash against immigration.
The agreements were signed on the sidelines of President Ruto’s official visit to Germany, which included attending the Annual Citizens Festival hosted by German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.
