President William Ruto will leave the country this evening for a two-day official visit to Germany.
During the visit, State House spokesperson Hussein Mohamed said President Ruto will engage in several high-profile activities expected to yield several benefits to Kenyans.
The president’s key engagements will include the signing of the Kenya-Germany Agreement on ‘Comprehensive Migration and Mobility Partnership’ which establishes a framework for cooperation on labour mobility, apprenticeships, student training, employment, and the welfare of employees, as well as for the readmission and return of citizens.
Ruto will also hold bilateral discussions with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. The meetings will focus on deepening cooperation on areas of mutual interest, including green energy and climate action; digital cooperation; trade and investment and skills development and labour.
The President will engage with leading German business figures during a special forum aimed at enhancing trade and investment opportunities between Kenya and Germany. The CEOs of major companies such as Mercedes Benz, YouTube, and AIDA Cruises are expected to participate in the forum.
How Kenya will benefit from Ruto’s Germany trip
Expected benefits for Kenya from the trip include employment opportunities for the youth as both countries encourage the immigration of skilled workers who have completed vocational training or a university-level degree. Hussein said Germany will waive the requirement for a labour market test for Kenyans prior to employment.
Also,the trip will lead to enhanced educational and vocational opportunities as Germany is expected to issue long-stay visas for eligible Kenyans pursuing studies or vocational training. Upon completion, Kenyan students and apprentices may extend their stay to gain professional experience and potentially secure employment in Germany.
Further, the Citizen’s Festival will significantly raise the visibility of Kenyan culture in Germany, fostering greater appreciation and understanding while promoting tourism and cultural exchanges.
The visit will promote investment opportunities in key sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, tourism, and the creative economy, positioning Kenya as a prime destination for German investors.