Kenya and Italy have signed a new agreement on labour migration and mobility, paving the way for expanded employment opportunities for Kenyans while enhancing the protection of migrant workers.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in Nairobi on Thursday, July 2, by Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi and Italy’s Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi.
According to a joint communiqué issued after the signing, the agreement marks a significant milestone in the growing strategic partnership between the two countries and establishes a government-to-government framework for cooperation on regular labour migration, skills development and migrant worker protection.
"The MoU establishes a Government-to-Government framework for cooperation on regular labour migration, skills development and the protection of migrant workers," the joint communiqué stated.
The two governments said the agreement reflects their shared commitment to promoting safe, orderly, regular and ethical migration while strengthening cooperation on vocational and language training to help more Kenyans access legal migration pathways.
Besides creating more opportunities for lawful employment, the deal also seeks to curb irregular migration through public awareness campaigns on the risks associated with illegal travel and by promoting informed migration choices.
Details of Kenya Italy labour deal
The agreement builds on renewed cooperation between Kenya and Italy following President William Ruto’s official visit to Italy in April 2026. It also reinforces collaboration under the Kenya-Italy Sustainable Development Partnership (2023-2027) and Italy’s Mattei Plan for Africa.
Officials said the MoU is expected to support Kenya’s workforce by promoting skills exchange, improving worker protection and contributing to national development, while helping address labour shortages in key sectors of the Italian economy.
The two governments also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation on the return of nationals found to be in irregular situations, encouraging voluntary return where possible in line with the laws of both countries.
"The signing marks a new chapter in Kenya-Italy cooperation, founded on mutual respect, shared opportunity, human dignity and development-oriented migration," the communiqué added.
The agreement comes as Kenya continues to pursue bilateral labour mobility partnerships with several countries to expand overseas employment opportunities for its citizens while ensuring better safeguards for migrant workers. The government has in recent years prioritised structured labour migration as part of its strategy to tackle youth unemployment and boost remittances from Kenyans working abroad.
