Friday, December 5, 2025(KENYA)__In a joint effort to formalize and expand labour cooperation, the Governments of Kenya and Austria through State Department for Diaspora Affairs and the Austrian Embassy in Nairobi, held the inaugural Kenya-Austria Job Fair in Nairobi.
The event, that brought together government officials, employers, and training institutions from both nations, marks a pivotal step in operationalizing the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the Field of Mobility and Migration signed between the two governments, with the aim of creating structured, ethical, and mutually beneficial pathways for Kenyan professionals to access Austria’s labour market.
The job fair served as a dynamic platform for Austrian companies to present specific labour needs, outline sector-specific skills requirements, and clarify the professional qualifications sought in key industries.
Several speakers provided information on legal frameworks, including work permits, residence permits, and visa processes, equipping Kenyan recruitment and training agencies with precise guidelines to facilitate orderly mobility.
In a keynote address delivered on behalf of Ms. Roseline K. Njogu, CBS, Principal Secretary for Diaspora Affairs, Ambassador Isaiya Kabira, Secretary for Diaspora Investments, Skills and Entrepreneurship, underscored Kenya’s strategic approach.
“The Government of Kenya is committed to structured labour mobility that prioritizes ethical recruitment, the protection of our workers, and the development of their skills,” he stated.
He highlighted Kenya’s readiness to deepen cooperation in priority sectors and to explore emerging opportunities in various sectors of the economy.
Echoing the commitment to ethics, H.E Christian Fellner, Ambassador of Austria to Kenya, addressed a critical point for potential applicants.
“Austria is firmly committed to ethical employment practices. No individual should pay to access a job opportunity or to work in Austria,” he asserted.
He outlined Austria’s pressing need to bridge skills gaps across multiple sectors of its economy.
At the same time, Amb. Valerie Rugene, Deputy Head of Mission at the Kenya Embassy in Vienna, weighed in on the discourse by commending the Refocus programme terming it a vital platform that seeks to connect Kenyan job seekers with international employment opportunities.
She outlined the crucial role the Kenya Embassy in Vienna plays in supporting Kenyan nationals through labour mobility processes including coordinating arrival orientation, providing consular assistance and partnering with Austrian employers for successful placement.
Beyond formal presentations, the Fair offered practical insights for prospective applicants. Testimonials from Kenyans who have lived, studied, or worked in Austria provided real-life perspectives on integration and professional life.
Furthermore, language institutions emphasized German language proficiency as a cornerstone for successful integration and career advancement, offering guidance on accessible learning pathways.
The Job Fair aimed to translate the bilateral MoU into actionable steps. Key objectives included fostering direct linkages between Austrian employers and Kenyan talent and promoting mutual recognition of skills and qualifications.
Expected outcomes from today’s engagement include tangible expressions of employer interest in recruiting Kenyan talent and stronger institutional partnerships.
This landmark Job Fair represents more than a recruitment drive; it signifies a deepening of bilateral relations centered on human capital and development. By combining Austria’s economic needs with Kenya’s skilled and dynamic workforce, the partnership is poised to create sustainable opportunities while safeguarding the rights and welfare of workers.
The event underscores a shared vision where managed labour mobility serves as a catalyst for economic growth, skills exchange, and strengthened diplomatic ties, setting a benchmark for Kenya’s engagement with other international partners.