Kenya and Germany share strong historic ties and considerable interests especially in trade, investment, environmental conservation and industrial promotion. 

“We will build on these relations to benefit our people,” – President Ruto

On the sidelines of the “G20 Compact with Africa” conference in Berlin, President Ruto held talks with Chancellor of Germany Olaf Scholz where both Kenya and Germany reiterated their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations during a meeting held in Berlin, focusing on mutual benefits for their citizens.

President Ruto emphasized Kenya’s interest in accelerating labor agreements with Germany to enable increased labor mobility. Structured migration is seen as a means to curb illegal relocation while offering Kenyans opportunities to work in Germany.

H.E Ruto made a pledge to Kenyans to hold meeting and bilateral talks that would open up employment opportunities during the trip to Germany. Speaking on Sunday before he left, the President revealed that talks with the German Chancellor Olaf Scholz earlier in the year had opened up a possibility of absorbing about 2,000 Kenyan professionals into the German workforce.

 Discussions highlighted the importance of directing investments towards Africa, acknowledging the continent’s competitiveness and potential for economic growth.

President Ruto also insisted on readiness of the African continent to create an enabling environment, enact policies and facilitate investments necessary to unlock resources to meet the continent’s own climate commitments and contribute meaningfully to decarbonization of the global economy.

Chancellor Scholz commended Kenya’s contributions, particularly in capacity building and support for upcoming elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan. Germany pledged assistance to Kenya’s mission in Haiti.

President Ruto sought German support for international financial reforms crucial in addressing the pressing debt crisis affecting many Global South nations.

 He emphasized the need for global cooperation to find sustainable solutions to foster worldwide economic stability.

The world leaders also discussed how investment in renewable energy can transform Africa, the world and create jobs for millions of youths.