Germany Denies 250,000 Job Deal with Kenya, Contradicting Ruto’s Claims

The German government has denied the claims that Kenya has secured a deal for over 250,000 jobs for its citizens in Germany following a bilateral agreement between President William Ruto and the German government.

Germany’s Interior Ministry issued a statement on Saturday, categorically dismissing the widely publicized report by BBC World. The Ministry emphasizes that the agreement did not include any specific figures or quotas for skilled workers, stating that such information is “clearly false.” They further clarify that any potential agreement would necessitate applicants to undergo a rigorous shortlisting process in compliance with Germany’s Immigration Act. Adding to the confusion, President William Ruto of Kenya affirmed the signing of the deal, including the disputed figures, in an interview with DW, Germany’s state broadcaster.

This contradiction between the German government’s denial and the Kenyan president’s assertion has only served to intensify the dissension surrounding the agreement. The BBC had initially reported that Germany had agreed to welcome 250,000 skilled and semi-skilled Kenyan workers as part of a controlled labour migration deal. This arrangement was purportedly designed to address labour issues in both countries, providing job markets for Kenya’s underemployed population while supplying Germany with much-needed workers. State House Kenya also confirmed the signing of the agreement, stating that it was secured during a meeting between Kenyan and German delegations in Berlin.

However, their statement notably omitted mention of the specific numbers that have become the focal point of the controversy. The proposed deal aims to address Kenya’s high unemployment rates and Germany’s shortage of skilled labour. It would potentially facilitate the migration of professionals, skilled workers, and semi-skilled Kenyans to Germany. Under the reported terms, Kenyan workers securing approved jobs could receive extensions to their temporary residence permits, and long-term visas would be available for those pursuing studies or vocational training in Germany.

Notably, the agreement would allow IT specialists from Kenya to enter and work in Germany even without formal qualifications. The European country has been grappling with immigration challenges, exacerbated by the growing popularity of the far-right anti-immigration party, Alternative for Germany (AfD). The agreement reportedly includes provisions for the readmission and return of citizens between the two nations, as well as guidelines to prevent labour exploitation, forced labour, and human trafficking.