NewsGermany signs deal to employ 250,000 Kenyan workers amid labour crisis

Germany signs deal to employ 250,000 Kenyan workers amid labour crisis

Germany will employ 250,000 Kenyans
Germany will employ 250,000 Kenyans
Images source: © East News | Ebrahim Noroozi
Kamil Rakosza-Napieraj

14 September 2024 18:54

Germany will employ 250,000 Kenyans. Kenyan President William Ruto and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz signed the agreement on Friday.

Germany is grappling with severe labour shortages in key sectors. As a result, they are attempting to ease visa restrictions and attract skilled workers from abroad to help fill the gaps.

During his visit to Berlin, William Ruto offered Germany assistance, emphasising that the signed agreement will link Kenya's young workforce with the German industry.

Germany to employ thousands of Kenyans

Germany needs labour from Europe and many other countries around the world. This signed agreement can help us compensate for the shortage of skilled workers, said Scholz.

German experts say the country needs approximately 400,000 skilled immigrants annually because its ageing workforce is shrinking.

In Kenya, on the other hand, people under the age of thirty-five constitute 80% of the population, which is roughly 57 million people. The country also has one of the best education systems on the continent.

During his stay in Germany, President Ruto will also lead a round table with CEOs of some of the leading German companies. Germany is one of the largest foreign investors in Kenya, and over 100 German companies are currently operating in the country.