Germany’s Federal Ministry of Interior and Community has dismissed reports claiming that the country signed a labour agreement with Kenya to accommodate 250,000 Kenyan workers.

President William Ruto, who has been on an official visit to Germany since Thursday, signed a labour, talent, and mobility agreement at a ceremony at the Chancellery in Berlin, witnessed by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

While the details of the agreement remain scarce, no specific number of workers was mentioned.

Certain media outlets had reported that the deal would provide job opportunities for 250,000 Kenyans.

“This information is clearly false. The agreement between Germany and Kenya does not include any numbers or quotas of skilled workers who will have the opportunity to work in our country,” Germany’s Ministry of Interior and Homeland debunked this on platform X.

” All applicants must fulfil the strict requirements of the German Skilled Immigration Act.”

The Kenyan government has not formally responded on the latest development or offered clarification.

The agreement emphasizes cooperation between Kenya and Germany in promoting the fair mobility of skilled workers, students, and apprentices, including opportunities for temporary migration for vocational education, training, and employment, as well as seasonal work.

The two governments committed to ethical recruitment practices, providing labour market information, and cooperating on consular services for skilled workers. 

They also agreed to tackle irregular migration, human trafficking, forced labour, and exploitation while ensuring the protection of victims.

Furthermore, the deal will create a Joint Implementation Committee, composed of representatives from both countries, to oversee its execution.

The committee will include officials from the ministries of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Labour, Immigration, and Education, among others.

President Ruto welcomed the agreement, emphasizing the job opportunities it will create for Kenyans and the strengthened ties between the two nations.

“The signing of the Comprehensive Labour Mobility Agreement will go a long way in providing job opportunities to Kenyans and also strengthen our relations with Germany,” he said, urging Germany to tap into Kenya’s highly skilled labour force. By Irene Mwangi, Capital

 The National Police Service (NPS) reassured the public of safety and security, stating that officers across the country remain on alert. On Saturday, September 14, the NPS said on X: “The National Police Service would like to take this opportunity to reassure members of the public of their safety and security and reaffirm that NPS officers deployed across the country remain alert to protect our country.” 

The announcement followed a security warning from the U.S. embassy in Kenya on Friday, September 13, urging American citizens to stay vigilant and avoid overcrowded places including places of worship, malls, hotels and restaurants.

 "While attacks can occur at any time, concerns are heightened in proximity to anniversaries of prior terrorist attacks, such as September 11, the September 21 Westgate Mall attack and the October 7 Hamas attack against Israel," the U.S. embassy said. 

Americans were advised to keep a low profile, avoid protest areas and stay alert in locations frequented by foreigners and tourists. The UK embassy in Kenya also issued a travel advisory, recommending only essential travel.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advised British citizens to avoid travel within 60 kilometres of Kenya's border with Somalia, including Mandera and Lamu counties except for Lamu and Manda islands and Tana River County. 

"There have been frequent attacks in the north Eastern border regions, most of which were attributed to al-Shabab. Attacks have killed members of the Kenyan security forces as well as civilians. Armed militia groups operate within the Boni National Reserve and along the border with Somalia," said FCDO. By David Njaaga, The Standard