NAIROBI, July 22 (NNN-KBC) — Kenya is exploring vocational training opportunities in Germany for development of skills that meet international job requirements.
Labour Principal Secretary Shadrack Mwadime says the bilateral labour agreements signed between Kenya and Germany in September last year are being fast tracked for the benefit of both parties.
He spoke upon returning from leading a Kenyan delegation to Germany on operationalization of the bilateral labour agreements.
Mwadime said the Bilateral Labour Agreement between Kenya and Germany was signed in September 2024, adding that the discussions dwelt on ways of enhancing the mobility of skilled labour in various sectors that are experiencing shortages.
The PS also explained that the two sides discussed ways of boosting vocational training opportunities for Kenyans, skills development to ensure potential employees meet international job requirements and also the protection of workers’ rights while in Germany.
“We held discussions with the German Commissioner for Labour, the lead negotiator, and agreed on the need for Germany to deploy teachers of German to our technical and vocational colleges and universities,” he said. “The ability to speak German is critical to getting a job opportunity in the country.”
He disclosed that the German Government already has agreed with Mt Kenya University on an arrangement of deploying teachers of German to teach the language.
“But in our discussions, we went further and agreed that a public university should benefit from such an arrangement. Consequently, Kenyatta University has been chosen for the purpose,” Mwadime said.
He also explained that understanding the German culture for potential employees is crucial, and it was therefore agreed that pre-departure training will be conducted to make young Kenyans understand what they expect when they arrive in Germany so that their social lives are not affected.
Additionally, the PS pointed out that the German job market works through internship as a pathway to getting permanent hiring.
“We want to use internships as the pathway to eventual permanent jobs. Internship opportunities pay well and interns earn a stipend that meets accommodation and living expenses,” he explained.
Mwadime explained that the meetings were successful and pointed out that the labour market in Germany is ideal for young, educated, well-trained and hardworking young Kenyans.
“Our young people will not only earn good pay in Germany, but they will also learn modern skills through which they will eventually transfer the knowledge and expertise to Kenya,” he said.
He added: “Germany has good labour laws and the minimum wage is higher than in many other countries. Our young people will thus be able to save and invest at home.”
The Kenyan delegation, which included National Employment Authority Director-General Edith Okoki, National Social Security Fund Managing Trustee David Koros and National Industrial Training Authority acting Director-General Theresa Wasike, met German Labour, Chamber of Commerce and Industry officials and top management of more than 30 companies in Berlin, Frankfurt and Stuttgart cities.
The officials expressed confidence that the Kenyan workforce would meet the demands of the job market in Germany, saying the workforce would be supported to integrate seamlessly upon arrival.
The companies specialise in fields such as manufacturing, construction, pharmaceuticals and ICT, among others. They include Rothenberger Werkzeuge, Strabag AG, Merck KGaA, Digital Reality, Germany GmbH and Fragomen Global.
Others are GOPA Worldwide Consultants, IHK Frankfurt am Main and Klinik-und Rehabilitationszentrum Lippoldsberg, among others.
The CEO of BIWE Group, a German education and training company, Stefan Kupper, said: “We are seeking highly motivated young people who have completed vocational training of at least three years, have a good school education, a good mindset and German language competence. They should come in as skilled workers or as engineering and IT professionals.”
He pointed out that German language competence is important for integration in the workforce and in society.
Frankfurt Chamber of Commerce and Industry Managing Director of International Business Jurgen Ratzinger said the Bilateral Labour Agreement signed between Kenya and Germany was a good foundation for closer cooperation.
“Germany is in great need of skilled labour, and Kenya has a lot to offer in skilled labour. Both sides have to do their homework – Germany offers many jobs opportunities, while potential employees should be able to speak German. Language skills are therefore crucial at the preparatory phase,” he pointed out. — NNN-KBC