JOINT COMMUNIQUÉ ON THE SIGNING OF THE KENYA-ITALY MoU ON MIGRATION AND MOBILITY IN NAIROBI, BY H.E. HON. DR. MUSALIA MUDAVADI, EGH PRIME CS AND CS FOR FOREIGN AND DIASPORA AFFAIRS OF THE REPUBLIC OF KENYA AND H.E. HON. MATTEO PIANTEDOSI MINISTER OF THE INTERIOR OF THE ITALIAN REPUBLIC

The Government of the Republic of Kenya and the Government of the Italian Republic today signed the Memorandum of Understanding on Migration and Mobility, marking a significant milestone in the growing strategic partnership between the two countries. The MoU was signed by H.E. Hon. Dr. Musalia Mudavadi, EGH, Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, and H.E. Hon. Matteo Piantedosi, Minister of the Interior of the Italian Republic, together with senior officials from both Governments.

The MoU establishes a Government-to-Government framework for cooperation on regular labour migration, skills development and the protection of migrant workers. It reflects the shared commitment of Kenya and Italy to promoting safe, orderly, regular and ethical migration, while strengthening cooperation on vocational and language training, aimed at facilitating the use of legal migration pathways. The MoU also reinforces bilateral cooperation to prevent and counter irregular migration, including through awareness-raising initiatives aimed at informing Kenyan citizens of the risks associated with irregular migration and promoting safe and informed migration choices.

The Agreement builds on the renewed momentum in Kenya–Italy relations following the Official Visit by H.E. Dr. William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya, to Italy in April 2026, reaffirming cooperation under the Kenya–Italy Sustainable Development Partnership (2023–2027) and Italy’s Mattei Plan for Africa.

The MoU is expected to expand lawful employment opportunities for Kenyans, strengthen worker protection, promote skills exchange and contribute to national development, while supporting Italy’s labour market needs in key sectors. The two Governments also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation on the return of nationals in an irregular situation, promoting voluntary return whenever possible and ensuring effective cooperation in accordance with their respective national legislations. Both Governments reaffirmed that its successful implementation will depend on close coordination, skills matching, language preparation and effective institutional cooperation.

The signing marks a new chapter in Kenya–Italy cooperation, founded on mutual respect, shared opportunity, human dignity and development-oriented migration.