Italy's Minister of the interior, Matteo Piantedosi and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi signing an MoU on migration and mobility/OPCS
Kenya and Italy have signed an MoU on migration and mobility aimed at expanding lawful employment opportunities for Kenyans.
The deal also aims at strengthening the protection of migrant workers and enhancing cooperation on skills development and safe migration.
Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi and Italy's Minister of the Interior Matteo Piantedosi signed the agreement in Nairobi on Thursday.
According to a joint communiqué issued after the signing, the agreement establishes a government-to-government framework for cooperation on regular labour migration, vocational training and the protection of migrant workers while promoting ethical and orderly migration.
"The MoU establishes a Government-to-Government
framework for cooperation on regular labour migration, skills development and
the protection of migrant workers. It reflects the shared commitment of Kenya and
Italy to promoting safe, orderly, regular and ethical migration while strengthening cooperation on vocational and language training aimed at
facilitating the use of legal migration pathways," the communiqué states.
The agreement also seeks to deepen collaboration in
addressing irregular migration through public awareness campaigns that will
educate Kenyan citizens on the risks associated with illegal migration while
encouraging them to pursue legal employment opportunities abroad.
"It also reinforces bilateral cooperation to prevent and counter irregular migration, including through awareness-raising initiatives aimed at informing Kenyan citizens of the risks associated with irregular migration and promoting safe and informed migration choices," the communiqué adds.
The two governments said the agreement builds on the renewed momentum in bilateral relations following President William Ruto's official visit to Italy in April 2026, during which the two countries reaffirmed cooperation under the Kenya-Italy Sustainable Development Partnership (2023-2027) and Italy's Mattei Plan for Africa.
The MoU is expected to create more employment opportunities for skilled Kenyan workers in Italy while supporting Italy's labour market needs in key sectors experiencing shortages.
"The MoU is expected to expand lawful employment opportunities for Kenyans, strengthen worker protection, promote skills exchange and contribute to national development, while supporting Italy's labour market needs in key sectors," the communiqué says.
Beyond labour mobility, Kenya and Italy also committed themselves to strengthening cooperation on the return of nationals found to be in an irregular migration situation, while emphasising voluntary return wherever possible and adherence to the laws of both countries.
The two sides further agreed that the successful implementation of the agreement will depend on close coordination between the two governments, including matching workers with available jobs, providing language and vocational training and strengthening institutional collaboration.
Describing the agreement as a new chapter in bilateral relations, the two governments reaffirmed their commitment to building a partnership anchored on mutual respect, shared prosperity and human dignity.
