Negotiations aimed at forging a Comprehensive Migration and Mobility partnership between Kenya and Germany continued this week, with significant strides made in the discussions.
Leading the Kenyan delegation in Berlin were Labour and Skills Development Principal Secretary Shadrack Mwadime and Diaspora Affairs counterpart Roseline Njogu. On the German side, Joachim Stamp, the Federal Government Special Commissioner for Migration agreements, spearheaded the discussions.
A joint statement issued at the conclusion of the five-day meeting highlighted the commitment of both nations to establish a robust partnership on migration and mobility. The statement underscored the amicable atmosphere in which the discussions took place, emphasizing the shared goal of enhancing collaboration across all facets of migration between Kenya and Germany.
During the talks, which were also attended by Charge d’Affairs at the Kenyan Embassy Valerie Rugene, Njogu expressed optimism about the prospects of building stronger ties on migration matters between the two countries, both of which have a history of cordial relations.
Mwadime, representing the Kenyan team, commended the progress of the discussions, emphasizing the country’s keen interest in finalizing the agreement expeditiously to facilitate its implementation.
Echoing this sentiment, the joint statement outlined plans for Kenya and Germany to continue working on the draft agreement in the coming weeks, with the aim of reaching a final consensus soon.
The momentum gained in the negotiations follows a meeting last month between Kenyan Labour CS Florence Bore and German Minister for Labour and Social Affairs Hubertus Heil. During this meeting, both parties agreed to establish a technical committee comprising experts from both countries to develop a framework for migration and mobility.
CS Bore seized the opportunity to apprise the German government of Kenya’s efforts to streamline labour migration, highlighting the restructuring of policies and legal frameworks to facilitate safe and orderly migration of Kenyan skilled workers to Germany.
As part of the ongoing negotiations, it was agreed to form a task force comprising representatives from both nations to develop a labour mobility framework, ensuring the smooth and regulated migration of Kenyan workers to Germany.
These discussions stem from the initiative conceived by President William Ruto and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, reflecting a mutual commitment to fostering closer ties and cooperation between Kenya and Germany in the realm of migration and mobility.
