The Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration, Dr. Raymond Omollo, celebrated a landmark achievement in Kenya’s labour migration journey during a visit to Tom Mboya University in Homa Bay County. The visit marked a key milestone in the Kenya-Germany labour mobility partnership, with the first cohort of over 600 students preparing for opportunities abroad.
Dr. Omollo met with the students who are finalising preparations for the B1 German language exam, a mandatory requirement for Kenyans aspiring to live and work in Germany. He commended their dedication and encouraged them to embrace the opportunities ahead while serving as ambassadors of Kenya’s talent and professionalism in Europe.
The visit was aimed at assessing the progress and success of the training programme, which stems from President William Ruto’s historic labour mobility pact with Germany. Signed in September 2024 during the President’s state visit to Berlin, the deal remains the only such agreement between Germany and a Sub-Saharan African nation, highlighting Kenya’s growing role as a strategic labour partner.
Under the pact, Germany will admit skilled Kenyan workers into its labour market while also facilitating the repatriation of Kenyans without legal residency in the country. This arrangement provides a structured and regulated framework for migration, safeguarding Kenyan citizens while addressing Germany’s critical workforce shortage. Experts estimate that Germany requires about 400,000 skilled migrants annually to sustain its economy, making Kenya a key partner in filling that gap.
Dr. Omollo reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that Kenyan jobseekers under the programme are protected from exploitation by unscrupulous recruitment agencies. He stressed that the initiative is grounded in principles of safety, dignity, and fairness, ensuring that migration is orderly and beneficial to all stakeholders involved.
The PS further noted that the programme is not only about exporting labour but also about equipping Kenyan youth with global skills. By focusing on language proficiency, cultural integration, and professional preparation, the initiative will enhance employability, boost remittances, and expand Kenya’s role in the global workforce.
Dr. Omollo concluded by assuring the students that the government will continue strengthening bilateral ties and creating more opportunities for young Kenyans abroad. He urged the cohort to remain disciplined and focused, noting that their success in Germany will pave the way for future generations and cement Kenya’s position as a trusted partner in international labour migration.
