Ruto: Unlicensed recruiting agents won't operate in Germany jobs program

President William Ruto has stated that unlicensed recruiting agents and agencies will be barred from participating in the new employment program with the German government.

During roundtable discussions with Kenyan and German firms on labour mobility in Berlin on Saturday, Ruto assured that his administration is committed to ensuring a smooth process.

He insisted that any violations of the labour agreement would be met with strict consequences.

The President stressed that the government aims to keep the program free from corruption and ensure that only qualified individuals secure jobs.

"We want to make sure that this is seamless and we want to also avoid unlicensed people from operating in this space," Ruto said.

"Another thing we are going to be keen about is not to have any recruiting agent that is not licensed and those that are not doing the right thing know what the consequences will be because we want this arrangement to be corruption-free, seamless and benefit the people we are targeting," he added.

On Friday, Kenya and Germany formalised a Labour Mobility Partnership Agreement, paving the way for 250,000 skilled and semi-skilled Kenyan workers to participate in a regulated labour migration program.

The agreement was signed in Berlin by Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Kenya's President Ruto.

As part of the deal, Germany has agreed to relax certain immigration regulations to facilitate Kenyan employment in its economy.

Additionally, Berlin authorities will consider extending temporary residence permits for Kenyan workers with approved jobs.

Kenyans will also be eligible for long-term visas for study or vocational training in Germany.

One notable aspect of the deal as explained by the Government is Germany's decision to waive the job market test, a previous requirement that hindered the hiring of foreign workers.

This change is expected to streamline the migration process for Kenyans seeking employment or educational opportunities in Germany.

For Kenyans, this agreement offers valuable chances to access well-paying jobs and gain international experience.