By John Kariuki

Diaspora Affairs Principal Secretary Roseline Njogu has extolled the burgeoning labour mobility partnership between Kenya and Germany, describing it as a visionary framework that is cultivating a new cadre of globally competitive professionals while simultaneously fortifying bilateral relations between the two nations.

Speaking at a Labour Mobility Cocktail event convened by the German Embassy in Nairobi, Ms. Njogu observed that the initiative provides a structured and dignified pathway for Kenyans to access employment opportunities abroad while serving as cultural envoys of their homeland. She remarked that beyond the evident economic dividends, the programme embodies the spirit of mutual respect, intercultural understanding, and people-to-people diplomacy which are indispensable for deepening international cooperation.

The PS underscored that the Government of Kenya remains unwavering in its commitment to ensuring that such opportunities are safe, transparent, and well-regulated. She noted that her ministry, working in concert with other state institutions, has instituted mechanisms to safeguard the welfare of Kenyan nationals overseas and to streamline the processes for those seeking participation in the programme.

Ms. Njogu further emphasized that the partnership transcends the conventional labour export model, reflecting instead a shared vision for sustainable development and economic interdependence. She hailed Germany’s contribution in not only offering employment but also facilitating advanced skills transfer and professional training, thereby enhancing the global competitiveness of Kenyan youth.

She reiterated that the diaspora community continues to constitute a strategic asset for the nation, with their remittances, expertise, and knowledge exchange playing a pivotal role in national growth. She affirmed that the creation of legal, predictable, and ethical migration channels remains central to the Government’s agenda, both to harness the developmental potential of labour mobility and to mitigate the perils of irregular migration.

The PS urged Kenyan youth to embrace such opportunities with a sense of purpose, assuring them that the Government is intensifying negotiations with foreign partners to broaden access to fair and secure employment prospects. She emphasized that Kenya’s foreign policy outlook envisions mobility as a lever for economic empowerment, cross-cultural diplomacy, and global partnership.

The gathering, which attracted diplomats, policymakers, and industry stakeholders, reaffirmed the significance of collaborative frameworks in shaping a future where international labour mobility is harnessed as an instrument of prosperity, mutual advancement, and enduring friendship between nations.