Sun Sep 15 13:48:00 UTC 2024: ## Kenya and Germany Sign Labor Deal, Ruto Outlines Job Creation Plans

Kenyan President William Ruto has signed a labor and migration agreement with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz during his visit to Germany. The deal will allow skilled Kenyan workers to live and work in Germany while also facilitating the repatriation of Kenyans who have failed their asylum requests.

Ruto, speaking to DW during his visit, emphasized his commitment to job creation for Kenya’s youth, stating that the German deal will unlock 250,000 job opportunities for young Kenyans. He also highlighted other initiatives such as a climate resilience project aiming to create over 200,000 jobs.

Addressing concerns about sending skilled workers abroad while simultaneously focusing on domestic job creation, Ruto pointed out that Kenya’s youth population is growing rapidly, with over a million new entrants to the workforce annually. He stressed that various initiatives, including the housing program, digital market development, and labor export agreements, are designed to create diverse opportunities for Kenyan youth.

Ruto also discussed Kenya’s debt situation, acknowledging the country’s significant debt burden and stating that he has put brakes on borrowing. He highlighted ongoing efforts to secure alternative sources of revenue and to engage in bilateral discussions with development partners, including Germany, for concessional funds.

Ruto, who has been mandated by the African Union to oversee the reform of its institutions, emphasized his commitment to making the African Union more effective in addressing issues like intra-African trade, stability, youth unemployment, and resource management. He stated his intention to strengthen the accountability mechanisms within the African Union, including the Pan-African Parliament and the African Court.

While the German government later clarified that the employment quotas mentioned by Ruto are non-binding, the labor and migration deal remains a significant step towards fostering economic cooperation between Kenya and Germany. President Ruto’s focus on job creation and his commitment to reforming the African Union signal a proactive approach to tackling key challenges facing both Kenya and the continent.

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