Kenya-Germany bilateral labour agreement solidifies path for skilled labour migration

© ILO

© ILO

Nairobi, Kenya (ILO News) - Kenya and Germany have taken a step in their cooperative relationship, establishing a comprehensive labour mobility agreement. Building on the visit by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to Kenya and the subsequent joint declaration by President William Ruto and Chancellor Scholz in May 2023, both governments opened a dialogue addressing Germany's skilled labour demand and Kenya's potential to meet it. These discussions also focused on improving cooperation on the return of individuals without legal residency status in either country.

To advance these objectives, both nations formed a joint multi-agency technical committee tasked with developing a roadmap for negotiating the labour mobility agreement. Following Kenya’s submission of a draft Model Bilateral Labour Agreement to Germany in July 2023, Germany reciprocated in February 2024 with a Comprehensive Migration and Mobility Partnership proposal. Subsequent rounds of technical negotiations, with ILO’s support, took place in Berlin and Nairobi, culminating in May 2024 with an agreement in principle on the final text, adhering to international standards.

In September 2024, the agreement was formally signed in Berlin, encompassing key aspects of skills development, social protection, and assured rights for Kenyan migrant workers. Throughout this process, ILO provided essential technical and financial support to Kenya, contributing to this landmark agreement that reinforces safe, structured pathways for Kenyan professionals seeking employment abroad.