President William Ruto and his host, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced that the two countries signed an agreement to allow skilled and semi-skilled Kenyan workers to live and work in Germany.
The Labor, Talent, and Mobility agreement was signed at a ceremony at the Chancellery in Berlin. Though the details of the agreement remain scanty, the deal is intended to address Kenya’s rising employment rates.
However, there has been conflicting reports on the actual number of Kenyan workers who will secure jobs in Germany. Some media outlets reported that the deal would offer employment for 250,000 workers, but the German government has termed these reports inaccurate, saying the agreement does not include any quotas of skilled workers.
This article dives into the Germany-Kenya labor agreement, and key details that Kenyans seeking employment in Germany need to know.
What Does the Labor Deal Signed Between Kenya and Germany Say?
Earlier reports indicated that the labor deal between the two countries aims of offer employment to 250,000 Kenyans. However, an official statement from German’s Ministry of Interior and Homeland termed the figures as “false”
“This information is clearly false. The agreement between Germany and Kenya does not include any numbers or quotas of skilled workers who will have the opportunity to work in our country,” Germany’s Ministry of Interior and Homeland debunked this on platform X.
The labor deal targets skilled and semi-skilled workers as the Kenyan government attempts to tackle the rising unemployment rates. The agreement lays out a structured migration approach, with the German government saying that applicants must fulfil the requirements of the German Skilled Immigration Act.
At the same time, the deal will see an unknown number of Kenyans who are in Germany illegally deported to Kenya.
Will Germany Open Doors to 250,000 Kenyan Workers?
While initial reports, including a statement by President William Ruto, cited 250,000 jobs for Kenyans, an official statement from German government termed these reports as false.
The statement indicated that the labor agreement did not provide a maximum or minimum number of Kenyan workers who would secure jobs in the European country.
The German embassy clarified that the German labor market is open to qualified workers from Kenya and other African countries. The statement says that Kenya is obligated to cooperate with Germany to issue travel documents to eligible workers.
The agreement also provides long-term visas for Kenya who want to study or undergo vocational training in Germany. When these visas expire, students will receive a temporary visa of up to two years.
What Jobs Are Available to Skilled and Semi-Skilled Kenyan Workers?
Under the labor agreement, Germany is opening job opportunities in various sectors of its economy, including healthcare, engineering, construction, technology, and hospitality.
Skilled workers with professional qualifications, particularly nurses, clinical officers and other medical practitioners, are in high demand due to Germany’s aging population.
For semi-skilled workers, the hospitality sector, as well as roles in construction and caregiving, may offer good opportunities. IT professionals will also be allowed to enter and work in Germany, even if they do not have formal qualifications.
How to apply for jobs in Germany
Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs has provided guidelines on how potential Kenyan workers can grab job opportunities in Germany.
PS for Diaspora Affairs Roseline Njogu provided two job websites where Kenyans can find job opportunities in Germany.
You can visit the Make It in Germany and Deutschland.de to find job opportunities in your specific industry.
How Much Can Kenyan Workers Expect to Earn in Germany?
The salaries in Germany vary across professions, sectors, and level of skill of the workers.
Salaries for highly skilled professionals like engineers or healthcare workers range from €2,500 to €4,000 per month, approximately Ksh.359,000 to Ksh.575,000 per month.
Semi-skilled workers, on the other hand, may expect to earn between €1,500 and €2,500 per month (approximately Ksh.215,000 to Ksh.359,000), depending on their role and experience.
These figures are gross figures, and they are subject to income tax deduction, social security contributions, and other statutory deductions in Germany.
What Jobs Are Easy to Get in Germany?
Kenyans seeking jobs in German may explore various sectors in Germany, Europe’s biggest economy. Jobs in healthcare and hospitality are particularly in high demand, and may be easier to secure if you have the requisite skills.
Nursing and caregiving roles are particularly in demand, with various German states actively seeking foreign workers to fill the gap created by the country’s aging population. In the hospitality industry, positions such as chefs, waiters, and housekeeping staff also have a steady demand, making them easier for semi-skilled workers to access.
Germany is experiencing a significant shortage of workers in healthcare, information technology, engineering, and the construction industry. Nurses, doctors, software developers, mechanical engineers, and skilled construction workers are among the most in-demand professions.
How Much Does It Cost to Apply for a German Visa in Kenya?
The standard fee for a German work visa is approximately Ksh.9,000 (€80). This applies to most visa categories, including work and job seeker visas.
Be aware that this cost may be higher, and you should factor the cost of visa processing, document translation, and potential legal fees. The additional costs may increase the cost of obtaining a German work Visa to Ksh.15,000 to Ksh.20,000.
How Much Funds Are Required for a Germany Job Seeker Visa?
When applying for a job in Germany, you will be required to prove that you have enough money to sustain your living expenses in Germany for at least six months as you find employment.
The German government typically expects applicants to have at least €5,118 (approximately KSh.735,000) in their bank account to cover six months of living expenses while they search for employment.
How Much Does One Hour of Work Pay in Germany?
The minimum wage in Germany as of January 1, 2024, is €12.41 per hour. This rate applies across various industries, ensuring that even unskilled workers earn a living wage.
However, wages can vary significantly depending on the industry and region, with higher-paying jobs in sectors like IT, healthcare, and engineering.