President William Ruto has arrived in Berlin, Germany, for a two-day visit at the invitation of German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier to attend the Annual Citizens’ Festival. The Kenya Airways plane carrying President Ruto and his delegation landed at Berlin International Airport’s Military Wing at 10:49 a.m. (11:49 a.m. Kenya time) on Friday.

Kenya was invited to the prestigious festival as this year’s Profile Partner Country, marking the first time a non-European country has received the honor. Kenya’s Ambassador to Germany, Stella Orina, emphasized the significance of the event for Kenya, stating, “The German Citizens’ Festival offers a unique opportunity for Kenya to highlight its economic potential, investment opportunities, and market stability.”

President Ruto’s visit also presents a chance for high-level bilateral discussions, with meetings scheduled with German President Steinmeier and Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

During the visit, a comprehensive Labour Mobility Agreement will be signed, cementing Kenya-Germany cooperation on labor migration.

The President is set to meet with business leaders at a CEO Forum, where he will promote Kenya’s trade, tourism, and cultural exchanges. Ambassador Orina noted that the festival and meetings underscore Kenya’s commitment to creating a favorable business environment for foreign investors.

Following Chancellor Scholz’s visit to Kenya in May 2023, the two countries agreed to negotiate a migration and labor partnership. The Kenya-Germany Agreement on Comprehensive Migration and Mobility Partnership has since been finalized and will be signed during President Ruto’s visit.

The agreement facilitates cooperation on labor mobility, apprenticeships, and student training, and will streamline the employment process for skilled Kenyan workers in Germany. In particular, Germany will issue long-stay residence visas for eligible Kenyans pursuing vocational training.

Furthermore, Germany will waive the labor-market test requirement for Kenyan workers before employment.

Both countries also plan to collaborate on vocational education, enhancing skills development and capacity-building in training programs.

Kenya’s presence at the Burgerfest, the cultural event held at Schloss Bellevue, is significant. Kenyan exhibitors, including the New Kenya Planters Co-operative Union (KPCU) and Kenya Diaspora Alliance Germany, are ready to showcase the nation’s progress in various fields.

Cyrus Robiro, Chairman of the Kenya Diaspora Alliance Germany, expressed optimism about the visit, stating, “President Ruto’s presence at the cultural event will greatly promote Kenya’s image in Germany and strengthen trade ties.”

The visit is expected to further strengthen relations between Kenya and Germany, opening doors for job opportunities for Kenyans and fostering economic growth through collaboration.

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