The MoU will see Germany through its companies tap into the digital space and recruit more Kenyans to take up digital jobs.
On Friday, September 13, President William Ruto’s Germany trip where he was invited to attend the Annual Citizens Festival by President Frank-Walter Steinmeier started strong after he secured and witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Friedrich Naumann Foundation.
The MoU will see Germany through its companies tap into the digital space and recruit more Kenyans to take up digital jobs.
In a statement by the State Department of Diaspora, the MoU will establish a strategic partnership on several fronts, with the two entities collaborating to create more digital jobs amongst Kenya’s massive pool of talent.
President Ruto witnessed the signing of the MoU alongside Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.
Diaspora PS Roseline Njogu (far right) with Prof. Karl-Heinz Paqué, Board Chair of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation when they signed MoU on jobs in Berlin on September 13, 2024. /STATE DEPARTMENT FOR DIASPORA AFFAIRS
“The signing ceremony, held in Berlin, marks the beginning of a collaborative effort to facilitate global employment opportunities, economic partnerships and capacity-building initiatives,” the statement read in part.
“The MOU outlines a framework for cooperation between the Government and the private sector, focusing on the exchange of digital skills and labour, research and knowledge generation, promotion of good labour practices, skills and technology transfer, job creation and infrastructural support for digital jobs.”
Notably, after the signing of the MoU, Ruto, alongside the German Chancellor Olaf Scholz witnessed the signing of a labour migration agreement, which will grant Kenyans the opportunity to move to Germany to work for various companies with ease as the European country continues to struggle with an ageing population.
The agreement also provides for a framework on the welfare of Kenyans who go and work in Germany.
In his speech, President Ruto continued to market Kenya as the preferred choice for big companies sourcing quality talent. During the forum, an official working for a German Company operating in Kenya hailed the deal as important for both nations.
“Thank you Mr.President for taking the initiative to get young people at-home jobs. We are happy to contribute to the crisis in both our countries as solution providers,” he remarked.
Immigration To Germany
Following the signing of the deal, Kenyans may receive a temporary residence permit for to study in Germany for up to two years. This could also be extended if the purpose of the residence has not been achieved but is achievable within a shorter period. Germany has committed to waive the requirement to achieve its labour requirements.Â
The two countries will also cooperate in vocational education and training, especially to support skills development and capacity-building in vocational education and training.
“It’s done! The Comprehensive Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement between Kenya and Germany has now been signed. Honoured to have served my country as the lead negotiator of this agreement,” Diaspora Principal Secretary (PS) Roseline Njogu posted on X after the ceremony.
Ruto announced that in December, Kenya will host a bilateral Kenyan-German Summit to discuss opportunities. The forum will allow the two countries to harness opportunities in higher learning, people, investment, entrepreneurship, and trade.
President Ruto was escorted by Raila Odinga, who was a student in Germany during his undergraduate days. The President recalled the Former Prime Minister’s experience as proof of the deep roots of Kenya’s relationship with Germany.
