The Nairobi labour mobility forum focused on safe recruitment and employment pathways between Kenya and Germany.
Kenyan officials and Germany’s ambassador urge ethical hiring, clear contracts and stronger oversight as young Kenyans prepare for hospitality training.
Kenya is seeking stronger Germany recruitment safeguards to protect job seekers from fraud, exploitation and unfair working conditions. The push comes as 33 Kenyan youth prepare for hospitality training in Germany.
Officials raised the concerns at the Kenya-Germany Skills and Labour Mobility Forum in Nairobi. The meeting brought together government representatives, German employers, training institutions and development partners to discuss structured employment pathways.
Germany recruitment safeguards centre on clear contracts
Secretary for Administration Moses Ivuto said candidates need enough time to review employment contracts before accepting overseas jobs. He spoke on behalf of the Principal Secretary for Labour and Skills Development.
Ivuto also urged recruiters to explain recruitment costs, workers’ rights and employment conditions clearly. Candidates should have time to ask questions before signing, he said.
He explained that the State Department checks and attests employment contracts before workers travel abroad. This process aims to verify working conditions and protect their rights.
In addition, Ivuto called for transparent recruitment procedures and accessible complaints channels to help resolve grievances promptly.
Meanwhile, Irene Karari, Director of the Skills and Expertise Division, said government support must extend beyond finding jobs. Representing the Principal Secretary for Diaspora Affairs, she stressed workers’ dignity, safety and welfare throughout migration.
That support should cover recruitment, pre-departure preparation, employment overseas and eventual return, Karari said. She also urged agencies, employers and development partners to strengthen preparation, integration and support services.
33 Kenyans prepare for hospitality training
German Ambassador Sebastian Groth also called for stronger oversight of recruitment agencies in both countries. He warned that dishonest recruiters exploit young people through false promises of overseas employment.
Groth said candidates should not lose money to agencies that cannot deliver promised jobs. He also highlighted German language proficiency as an important requirement for vocational training and employment.
To illustrate the value of preparation, he cited trainees at Kiambu National Polytechnic preparing to join German hotels. Their language skills showed why investment in pre-departure training matters, he said.
Meanwhile, the 33 young Kenyans will join the second cohort of the Talent Gateway Programme. They will complete preparatory training in Kenya before travelling for a two-year dual vocational training programme in Germany.
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) implements the initiative on behalf of the German Government. It supports the Kenya-Germany Comprehensive Migration and Mobility Partnership, which the countries signed in September 2024.
