President William Ruto is set to embark on another diplomatic mission to Germany next week, following a high-profile visit to China. This will be the second visit Ruto is making to Germany, coming after Kenyans anger over the Head of State's numerous visits abroad cooled down.
His trip to Europe comes as Kenya and Germany prepare to finalise a migration agreement that could open up 250,000 job opportunities for Kenyan workers in various sectors.
This landmark deal is aimed at streamlining the process for skilled and semi-skilled Kenyans to access employment in Europe's largest economy.
This agreement, months in the making, represents a strategic partnership between Kenya and Germany, where both nations aim to address their labour market needs.
For Kenya, this is a golden opportunity to reduce unemployment, while for Germany, it presents a solution to the country's labour shortage. The draft deal includes provisions for protecting the rights and welfare of Kenyan workers in Germany, a critical point in negotiations led by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz is expected to receive President Ruto in Berlin on Friday. During the meeting, the two leaders will sign the final version of the migration agreement, sealing what has been described as a historic deal.
For Kenya, this deal couldn’t come at a better time. With high unemployment rates, particularly among the youth, the prospect of sending 250,000 workers to Germany is seen as a major win for Ruto’s government.
The agreement, while focused on skilled migration, also opens doors for semi-skilled and professional workers, providing a broad spectrum of opportunities for Kenyans seeking better livelihoods abroad.
Speaking from Berlin, Steffen Hebestreit, a spokesman for the German government, confirmed that “the framework agreement will facilitate the immigration of skilled labour and address the repatriation of those who are required to leave the country.”
This includes Kenyan workers who may be forced to return home under certain conditions, such as failed asylum applications. The deal aims to ensure a structured process that benefits both countries.
Just this month, he spent a week in China, where he pursued further economic cooperation and investments. His September calendar remains packed, with another trip scheduled to New York later in the month to attend the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
Beyond the technicalities of migration, Ruto's visit to Germany will also include an appearance as a guest of honour at the Citizens' Festival in Berlin.
