Kenya’s recent labour agreement with Germany has opened up exciting opportunities for Kenyans to work in Europe’s largest economy.
The deal, part of a broader bilateral cooperation framework, focuses on creating job prospects for skilled professionals from Kenya in sectors like healthcare, engineering, and hospitality.
Key sectors in demand
Under the labour deal, Germany is particularly seeking workers in:
Healthcare: Nurses, caregivers, and medical staff.
Engineering: Electrical, mechanical, and civil engineers.
Information Technology: Software developers, data scientists, and IT specialists.
Hospitality: Hotel staff, chefs, and event management professionals.
Where to apply
Kenyan job seekers are advised to look for job postings on official platforms such as Germany’s Federal Employment Agency (BA) or Make It in Germany, a portal designed for foreign workers.
Kenyan-based agencies or government offices may also offer assistance in connecting applicants to German employers.
Principal Secretary (PS) State Department for Diaspora Affairs, Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Roseline Njogu on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, explained the various ways Kenyans could apply for jobs in Germany.
Njogu said Kenyans could apply for opportunities in Germany through jobs websites or via local and foreign recruitment agencies.
“There are a number of different ways. One of the ways you can do that is directly without needing to use an agent. My recommendation is that you use available websites – make-it-in-germany.com for example is where a lot of foreign jobs are listed and it’s a government-run website,” the PS said while speaking to a local TV station.
“So make-it-in-germany.com you will find jobs that are available to foreign workers and they will tell you sort of requirements so you can apply directly there. Also on dasauge.de you will find a lot of information. I believe there is another one called something like hub4africa.bayern.
“So there are a number of sites where you can independently go, and of course, there are the usual ones like linkedIn and so where you can find those kinds of opportunities,” she elaborated.
Njogu additionally encouraged Kenyan job seekers to use recruiters listed on the National Employment Authority (NEA) website.
“The various regions also have some of their own, so we will be posting some of this information as it becomes available.
“You can also work with a recruiter, a number of private recruiters whether they are Kenyan diaspora based in Germany or Kenyan recruiters who have links to Germany, usually those found on the National Employment Authority (NEA) website listed there,” the PS said.
Eligibility requirements
Language and education qualifications are the two most important factors to consider when applying for jobs in Germany.
Kenyan job seekers must ensure that their qualifications meet German standards. This typically means having a diploma, degree, or professional certificate in relevant fields.
Proficiency in German is highly recommended, especially for healthcare roles. Courses in German language are often provided in preparation for work abroad.
Local job seekers may also need to have their Kenyan qualifications recognised by German authorities. This can be done through agencies like Zentrale Stelle für ausländische Bildungswesen (ZAB).
For healthcare professionals, this recognition is crucial to obtaining the necessary licenses to practice.
Kenyan job seekers can reach out to relevant government agencies like the Ministry of Labour or the National Employment Authority (NEA) for guidance and information on job placements under the deal.
With Germany’s aging population and skilled labour shortages, this bilateral labour deal presents a valuable opportunity for Kenyans to work in one of the world’s leading economies.
By following the outlined steps and preparing thoroughly, you can make the most of this historic agreement.
