Kenya, Germany to fast-track labour migration under strengthened partnership
By Kiprono Keileb, January 21, 2026Kenya and Germany have reaffirmed their long-standing partnership, focusing on structured labour migration and closer cooperation across key development sectors.
In a statement shared on X on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetangula highlighted the shared commitment to using parliamentary diplomacy to guide migration policies that are both humane and sustainable.
The discussions took place at the Parliament Building in Nairobi, on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, where Kenyan leaders met members of the German Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee.
“Kenya and Germany share a long-standing partnership anchored in mutual respect and development cooperation,” part of Moses Wetangula’s statement reads.
The discussions also focused on the role of parliaments in shaping forward-looking immigration frameworks that promote global peace and stability. Wetangula stressed the importance of legislative oversight in ensuring that migration benefits both nations.
“Today, during an engagement at the Parliament Building with members of the German Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, led by Derya Turk-Nachbaur, we emphasised the role of parliaments in shaping forward-looking immigration policies that promote global peace and stability,” he added.
Kenya further urged Germany to leverage its influence within the European Union to support coordinated and sustainable migration responses. The countries committed to speeding up the implementation of the Comprehensive Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement, which took effect in September 2024, aimed at facilitating structured labour migration for skilled Kenyans.
“Kenya urged Germany to leverage its influence within the European Union to advance coordinated, humane, and sustainable migration responses. We also called for the expedited implementation of the Comprehensive Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement (effective September 2024) to facilitate structured labour migration for skilled Kenyans while meeting Germany’s labour needs,” Wetang’ula said.
Beyond migration, both nations explored deepening cooperation across key sectors, including education, technology, agriculture, security, and trade, with parliamentary diplomacy serving as a critical platform for long-term strategic collaboration.
“Strengthened parliamentary diplomacy will further deepen cooperation across key sectors, including education, technology, agriculture, security, and trade,” he concluded.
Wetangula said the engagement marks a renewed push to expand Kenya’s global partnerships and ensure that structured labour migration and sectoral cooperation deliver tangible benefits for the country’s workforce and broader development agenda.