Germany and Kenya have reached an agreement to enable 250,000 semi-skilled and skilled Kenyans to work in Europe’s biggest economy. As part of the deal, Germany will ease some of its immigration laws.
Semi-skilled people include buss drivers, while skilled people include teachers, nurses, and doctors.
The deal was signed in Berlin by Kenya’s President William Ruto and Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz this month. It is aimed at addressing a shortage of skilled labour in Germany and a shortage of jobs in Kenya.
Here are some of the things agreed in the deal:
- Kenyans will get long-term visas to study or get vocational training in Germany. Some bus drivers, for example are now receiving training in Germany
- Some specific professions will also get relaxed migration requirements. For example, IT specialists from Kenya will be allowed to enter and work in Germany, even if they do not have formal qualifications.
- On the expiry of the long-stay visa, Kenyans may receive a temporary residence permit for study purposes in Germany for up to two years
- The temporary residence permit may be extended if the purpose of residence has not yet been achieved but is achievable within a “reasonable” period
- Kenyans in Germany illegally will have to return to Kenya and efforts made to reduce illegal immigration
The International Labour Organisation (ILO) supports the deal saying it will increase access to decent foreign jobs for Kenyan workers in Germany.
Said ILO in a statement before the signing:
“This agreement is designed to address the labour market needs of both countries, providing a structured framework for the migration of skilled workers. It includes mechanisms to protect the rights and welfare of Kenyan migrant workers in Germany, ensuring safe, orderly, and productive migration.”
Kenya’s unemployment rate is about 10%, with the majority of the unemployed being the youth.
There have been some criticism in Kenya that the deal would result in brain drain. At a joint press conference in Berlin, Ruto said about the concerns:
“I want to assure you that we have skills, we have developed a huge human capital. As you may be aware, Kenya is a young country.
We have a huge young population that cannot only satisfy our industrialisation agenda in Kenya but also here in Germany. In fact, it will provide an avenue for us to tap the skills here,”
Tango · 6 months ago
Harare, Zimbabwe – The Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe (GMAZ) has invited activist Rutendo Matinyarare to present scientific evidence supporting his claims that some local milling products contain cancer and HIV-causing agents.
The meeting is scheduled to take place on September 17 in Harare, marking a new chapter in the ongoing dispute between Matinyarare and Zimbabwe’s milling industry.
Matinyarare, a vocal critic on social media, stirred controversy last year when he accused local millers of producing and selling products that he claimed were contributing to serious health issues, including cancer. His allegations were met with swift denial from the industry, and subsequent legal battles ensued. Courts in both South Africa and Zimbabwe ordered Matinyarare to retract his statements and delete his social media posts—rulings he has yet to comply with.
In a letter to Matinyarare, GMAZ secretary Moses Maunganidze acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations, emphasizing the need for clarity and transparency in the matter.
“Our esteemed members have been following your several social media posts on your claim that some local maize meal brands contain cancer-causing agents or substances,” wrote Maunganidze in the letter. “Your claims, we respectfully submit, are of great national public health security importance.”
Maunganidze further invited Matinyarare to provide a detailed presentation of his claims, urging the activist to present empirical scientific evidence to substantiate his accusations. “Your presentation will provide an opportunity for our members to receive and t****ughly examine your empirical scientific evidence. We believe that this engagement is in the best interest of consumers who have the right to know,” he added.
The activist’s claims primarily focus on alleged contamination of maize meal products, a staple food in Zimbabwe. Matinyarare has also targeted major companies, including Innscor, accusing them of introducing genetically modified organisms (GMOs) into the market without proper safety measures. These claims formed the basis of a legal case in South Africa filed by Innscor, which has been following Matinyarare’s statements closely.
The upcoming meeting presents an opportunity for both parties to address the claims head-on. For the milling industry, the event is seen as a chance to debunk the allegations and restore consumer confidence, while Matinyarare will have the platform to substantiate his accusations. The outcome of the meeting could have significant implications for public health discussions and the local food industry.
As the September 17 meeting approaches, Zimbabweans await to see whether Matinyarare can provide the scientific backing for his statements or if the millers’ defense will bring closure to the controversy.
Tango · 6 months ago
How do GM foods cause HIV? This rutendo guy lives in south Africa where GM maize and soya beans are produced, where does he buy his maize meal and cooking oil?