- The agreement is expected to establish a comprehensive framework for migration and labour mobility between Germany and Kenya
- Due to its ageing population, the German labour market currently requires over 400,000 skilled workers from abroad each year
Image: PCS
Kenya is the guest country at this year’s citizens' festival (Buergerfest) being hosted by German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on September 13-14 at the Bellevue palace, his official residence in Berlin.
The presidential palace will open its doors to citizens from all walks of life. The festival is traditionally dedicated to honouring citizens engaged in voluntary work in their communities and attracts over 10,000 curious participants every September. It is also a unique opportunity for the common citizens to marvel at the imposing Schloss Bellevue as guided tours are offered.
At the same time, the festival is usually graced by a partner country at the invitation of the German President. Kenya has been invited to grace this year’s festival and thus showcase its talents, businesses, innovations and vibrant culture.
This is the first time a non-European and African country is a partner at this festival. Apart from Kenyan delicacies such as nyama choma, ugali, chapati, githeri, samosas and viazi karai that will be served during the two-day extravaganza, prominent Kenyans such as Auma Obama will participate in one of the many panel discussions. Kenya’s President William Ruto is in Germany for the occasion.
The foundation of the special bond between Kenya and Germany was laid more than 60 years ago when Germany became the first country to officially recognise independent Kenya. Over the years, the relations have extended from development cooperation to business, with Kenya hosting the majority of German companies in the region.
Equally, the number of Kenyans in Germany continues to grow, with approximately 40,000 Kenyans currently residing in Germany. Prominent Kenyans who have at one time resided in Germany include former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who studied in East Germany, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Prof Wangari Mathai and Dr Auma Obama.
On the sidelines of the citizens' festival, President Ruto and Chancellor Scholz will witness the signing of an agreement on migration and labour mobility.
The agreement is a product of government-to-government negotiations between the two countries that were led by Diaspora Affairs Principal Secretary Roseline Njogu and Labour and Skills Development Principal Secretary Shadrack Mwadime with their German counterpart Joachim Stamp, who is the Special Commissioner for Migration Agreements.
The agreement is expected to establish a comprehensive framework for migration and labour mobility between Germany and Kenya. Due to its ageing population, the German labour market currently requires over 400,000 skilled workers from abroad each year to address its demographic imbalance and labour shortages in many key sectors.
The fact that over 570,000 job vacancies were not filled in 2023 underscores this problem. This number is set to grow with the baby boomers, who form the largest group in the labour market, set to start retiring in the coming years.
If well implemented, this could be an opportunity for the many young and motivated yet unemployed Kenyans to not only acquire but also employ their skills in Germany for the short or long term.
However, while many Kenyans are eager to start their life in Germany, it should be noted that the country’s labour market traditionally requires high-skilled personnel. As such, it should not come as a surprise that a painter, mason or even carpenter requires three years of training.
Finally, those aspiring to study, work and live in Germany should also be alive to the fact that they will require good German language skills if they want to be successful and integrate in Germany. This should however not be a reason to worry as Kenyans in Germany have formed many networks that support newcomers to settle in their new home.
Chairperson, Kenya Diaspora Alliance Germany and director, Migratunity, an immigration consulting company. [email protected] / [email protected]