Kenya, Italy sign new labour migration deal opening jobs for Kenyans abroad
By Sharon Atieno, July 2, 2026Kenya has signed a new bilateral labour migration agreement with Italy in a move expected to create structured employment opportunities for thousands of Kenyans seeking jobs abroad while strengthening cooperation between the two countries across key economic sectors.
The agreement was announced by Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi following a meeting with Italy’s Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi during his first official visit to Kenya.
SIn a post on his X account on Thursday, July 2,2026, Mudavadi described the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on Migration and Mobility as a major milestone in Kenya-Italy relations that will open a new chapter of cooperation built on shared opportunity and well-managed migration.
“Our meeting marked a significant milestone in Kenya–Italy relations with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Migration and Mobility, ushering in a new era of cooperation founded on mutual respect, shared opportunity, human dignity and well-managed migration,” Mudavadi said.
New opportunities for Kenyan workers
According to the agreement, the two governments have established a formal framework that will regulate labour migration, skills development and the protection of migrant workers moving between the two countries.
The deal is expected to create transparent and legal pathways for Kenyans seeking employment opportunities in Italy while safeguarding workers’ welfare and expanding skills transfer opportunities.
“The agreement establishes a Government-to-Government framework for regular labour migration, skills development and the protection of migrant workers. It will create structured and transparent pathways for Kenyans seeking employment in Italy,” Mudavadi stated.
The Prime CS noted that the partnership is expected to contribute significantly to Kenya’s economy through increased overseas employment and growth in diaspora remittances.
Trade and investment cooperation expands
Beyond labour mobility, Kenya and Italy also agreed to deepen cooperation in trade and investment, education, energy, technology, aerospace and tourism sectors.
Mudavadi said the partnership demonstrates how diplomacy can directly translate into economic opportunities and improved livelihoods for citizens.
“Agreements such as this demonstrate how diplomacy translates into tangible opportunities that improve livelihoods, expand economic prospects and create a brighter future for our citizens,” he added.
The agreement comes as Kenya continues to pursue labour export programmes and strategic partnerships with foreign governments as part of efforts to tackle unemployment while expanding global economic cooperation.