No More Job Market Tests: Benefits Kenyans Are Set to Enjoy in Ruto’s Jobs Deal With Germany

Kenyan workers and students are set to gain from an agreement signed between Kenya and Germany, which will simplify access to jobs and study opportunities in the European nation.

The deal, formalised on Friday, September 13, will create pathways for gifted Kenyans to work in Germany, a country currently facing a shortage of adept labour. The agreement, reached between President William Ruto and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, opens the door for Kenyans to take up positions among the 250,000 available job slots in Germany. 

Notably, Germany has removed the need for a job market test, a requirement that previously hindered the hiring of competent foreign workers.

Why it matters: This deal makes it extremely easy for Kenyans to migrate to Germany for work or studies. However, with the tensions in Germany over migration, it is not as easy and straightforward as it sounds.

President William Ruto and German officials at the ceremony in Berlin

Photo

MFA

With a need to ramp up job opportunities for Kenyans, offering a window into Europe for Kenyans will give President William Ruto one less problem to deal with.

Dig deeper: For Kenyans looking to study in Germany, the arrangement brings even more benefits. Long-term visas will be made available for students, adept workers, and apprentices, with the possibility of extending temporary residence permits once they expire. This flexibility is seen as a major win for those looking to further their education or training in one of Europe’s largest economies.

Germany’s labour market, particularly in sectors like Information Technology (IT), will also now accept gifted individuals without formal qualifications under specific conditions. This new approach will allow Kenyans with relevant expertise to bypass traditional barriers and contribute directly to the German economy.

According to a government explainer, the deal is designed to streamline visa processing for Kenyan students and workers, ensuring that their applications are handled more efficiently. The agreement provides for a two-year extension on temporary residence permits for Kenyans already employed in Germany, offering additional time for them to settle into their new roles.

Vocational training, which is a significant part of Germany’s education system, also features heavily in the agreement. Kenyans who meet the country’s legal requirements will be able to obtain temporary residence permits for training purposes, and those who successfully complete their programmes will be eligible to stay on and seek employment. 

For students and apprentices, the agreement lays out conditions for extending their stay in Germany after completing their studies. Those who want to gain initial professional experience in the country will now be supported, creating more long-term career prospects for Kenyans in fields where Germany is experiencing labour shortages.

Both the Kenyan and German governments have committed to promoting the legal immigration of competent workers, particularly in IT. This is seen as a strategic move for Germany, where a growing demand for tech professionals has outpaced the local workforce. For Kenya, it’s a chance to tap into a new market for its young, highly talented population.

What next: The agreement will take effect once both governments have completed their internal processes and notified each other through diplomatic channels. While the administrative formalities are still ongoing, the potential impact on Kenya’s workforce is already being recognised.

Chancellor Scholz expressed confidence in Kenya’s young workforce during the signing, highlighting that the agreement will enable Kenyan talent to find opportunities in Germany’s booming industries. “Kenya has a very well-trained young population with many professional qualifications, and this young population is looking for opportunities to use this potential,” Scholz remarked.

For Germany, the deal provides relief in addressing its labour deficit, particularly in sectors like IT, healthcare, and engineering, where demand for workers has outpaced local supply. For Kenyans, it offers a gateway to well-paying jobs and international experience, with the added benefit of potential residency.

Kenyans who opt for academic or vocational paths in Germany will find it easier to extend their stay and build their careers, providing much-needed international exposure and work experience. Additionally, both governments have pledged to make the process smoother for Kenyans seeking seasonal work in Germany, further diversifying the job opportunities available.

An undated image of unemployed Kenyans lined up for an interview.

Kenyans.co.ke