President William Ruto has announced that the recruitment of Kenyan workers for jobs in Germany will officially commence on September 27, 2024. The President’s statement comes following the signing of a landmark labor mobility agreement between Kenya and Germany, aimed at providing Kenyan youth with opportunities to work in Europe’s largest economy. The agreement, which was finalized in Berlin, marks a significant step toward addressing unemployment and providing Kenyans with an avenue for economic advancement through labor migration.
Speaking during a Sunday service at the Stewards Revival Pentecostal Church in Embakasi, Nairobi, President Ruto reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to creating jobs for Kenyan youths. “When I announced that we would have a chance for Kenyan youths to work in Germany, some said I was lying. But now, it has come to pass,” Ruto said, adding that the recruitment process for the first batch of workers will begin in two weeks.
Historic Labour Mobility Agreement
The labor mobility agreement signed between Kenya and Germany is a comprehensive deal aimed at facilitating the movement of skilled and semi-skilled Kenyan workers to Germany. Under the agreement, Germany will open its doors to 250,000 Kenyan workers in a controlled and targeted labor migration initiative. These workers will have access to job opportunities across various sectors in Germany, with the agreement focusing on facilitating both skilled and semi-skilled workers to fill labor gaps in the German economy.
Ruto explained that this initiative is a major breakthrough for Kenya, especially at a time when unemployment continues to pose a significant challenge for many Kenyan youths. “The agreement we signed will see many Kenyans get an opportunity to work in Germany. We have planned for this, and the first recruitment will begin on September 27,” the President stated.
Immigration Law Reforms
As part of the agreement, Germany has committed to easing some of its immigration laws to allow Kenyan workers to take up employment opportunities more easily. This move is seen as a testament to the strong bilateral relationship between the two nations, and it paves the way for a smoother process for Kenyans seeking to live and work in Germany.
Additionally, the agreement includes provisions for the repatriation of Kenyans who are currently in Germany without proper documentation. This aspect of the deal is designed to address existing challenges facing undocumented Kenyans living in Germany, ensuring that they can return home without facing legal or financial hardships.
Criticism and Faith in Progress
President Ruto acknowledged that some Kenyans had been skeptical about the feasibility of this initiative when he first announced it. He attributed this skepticism to a lack of faith in the possibilities that his administration could achieve such ambitious goals. “When I first talked about this, many people said it was not possible, but now, they can see it coming to fruition. Some people walk by sight, not by faith,” Ruto remarked.
He added that the success of this program, along with other government initiatives, is guided by the will of God, and no force can stop the progress that is meant for Kenya. “I am sure, confident, and persuaded that the will of God is going to happen in Kenya, and no man, no force, nothing will stop the will of God from coming through for our nation,” he said during his address.
The President was joined by prominent political figures, including Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, and several Nairobi MPs. The announcement has generated widespread interest, particularly among the youth, who are eager for employment opportunities abroad.
Looking Ahead
As the recruitment exercise is set to begin soon, the Kenyan government will provide guidelines on the selection process and criteria for those interested in the available positions in Germany. This development is seen as a significant boost for the Kenyan labor force and a testament to the Ruto administration’s commitment to fostering international partnerships that benefit the country’s youth.
The labor mobility agreement with Germany signals a positive shift in Kenya’s foreign policy, with a focus on leveraging international cooperation to create tangible opportunities for its citizens. As the September 27 recruitment date approaches, many are looking forward to seeing the impact of this initiative on Kenya’s unemployment challenges, with hopes that it will serve as a model for future labor mobility agreements with other countries.
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