Friday, July 17, 2026 (KIAMBU)__Diaspora Affairs Principal Secretary, Ms. Roseline Kathure Njogu,CBS, has urged Kenyan youth headed to Germany under a new labour mobility programme to carry the Kenyan flag with pride and serve as model ambassadors of the country.

Speaking during the special graduation ceremony for the first labour mobility cohort at Kiambu National Polytechnic, PS Njogu congratulated  the 31 graduands who have completed an intensive preparatory training programme ahead of their deployment to the Federal Republic of Germany. She noted that the event marks more than just a graduation; it is proof that labour mobility in Kenya has moved from policy aspiration to a practical, life-changing pathway for young people.

The cohort is set to travel to Germany for a dual vocational training programme, where they will gain internationally recognized skills, valuable work experience, and exposure to one of the world’s leading vocational training systems. At the same time, they will help meet Germany’s growing demand for skilled workers, making the programme a truly mutually beneficial partnership.

PS Njogu hailed the strong and growing cooperation between Kenya and Germany in skills development, employment, and managed migration. She acknowledged the Government of Germany, through KfW and other partners, for sustained investment in Kenya’s TVET sector and for supporting initiatives that equip young Kenyans with globally competitive skills. She also referenced the recent visit by Germany’s Ambassador for Migration Cooperation, Dr. Ludwig Jung, whose engagement with the programme reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to expanding safe and legal migration pathways for Kenyan workers.

The Principal Secretary underscored that the State Department for Diaspora Affairs, and the Government of Kenya as a whole, remain fully committed to facilitating safe, regular, and orderly labour migration in line with the national labour mobility agenda. She highlighted ongoing collaboration with the Government of Germany, AHK Services Eastern Africa, the State Department for Labour and Skills Development, the National Employment Authority, the Kenya National Qualifications Authority, TVET institutions, and other partners to expand structured international employment opportunities for Kenyans.

These efforts are anchored in the Kenya–Germany Comprehensive Migration and Mobility Partnership signed in Berlin in September 2024, which provides a robust framework for enhanced cooperation in labour mobility, skills development, and legal migration. Ms. Njogu noted that progress under this partnership is already bearing fruit and affirmed the Government’s resolve to ensure more Kenyan youth benefit from similar programmes.

She further outlined measures being implemented to strengthen Kenya’s position in global labour markets, including aligning TVET programmes with international demand, expanding access to German language training and recognized examinations, improving recognition of Kenyan qualifications abroad, and fostering closer links between training institutions and overseas employers.

Addressing the graduands directly, PS Njogu reminded them that they are pioneers of a programme that will shape the future of labour mobility between Kenya and Germany. She urged them to uphold core Kenyan values—professionalism, integrity, discipline, respect, and hard work—stating that they are not only pursuing their own aspirations but also carrying the hopes of many other young Kenyans who will follow in their footsteps.

Ms. Njogu concluded by congratulating Kiambu National Polytechnic, the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany, KfW, and all stakeholders whose dedication has made the initiative a reality. She reaffirmed the State Department for Diaspora Affairs’ commitment to deepening collaboration with Germany and other international partners to create more decent employment opportunities for Kenyan youth through structured labour mobility.

The event was hosted by Mr. Sammy Waititu, Chief Principal of Kiambu National Polytechnic, and graced by Ms. Friederike Hemker, Head of Development Cooperation at the German Embassy in Nairobi, who served as Chief Guest. Also in attendance was Dr. Esther Thaara Muoria, CBS, Principal Secretary, State Department for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), alongside representatives of the Government of Germany, GIZ, development partners, industry stakeholders, and training institutions.

PS Njogu was accompanied by Mr. Felix Mbuvi, FSO; Mr. Abdilbasid Hassan, FSO; and Ms. Nikki Matika, FSO.