Germany contradicts Ruto on 250,000 jobs for Kenyans

The German government has denied reports that 250,000 Kenyans had been granted entry into Germany following the signing of a labour agreement even as it emerges that an unknown number of illegal Kenyan immigrants in the European nation will be returned to Nairobi.

President William Ruto in a previous interview with German broadcaster Deutsche Welle (DW) had claimed that a total of 250,000 Kenyans are expected to get jobs in Germany following the signing of a labour agreement between both countries.

CNN on Saturday reported that a spokesperson for Dr Ruto’s office said it was looking at employment opportunities for up to 250,000 Kenyans.

But Berlin authorities on Sunday denied the numbers, insisting that the pact did not state the exact number of skilled Kenyans who would be allowed into the country.

“This information is clearly false. The agreement between Germany and Kenya does not include any numbers or quotas of skilled workers who will have the opportunity to work in Germany. All applicants must fulfil the strict requirements of the German Skilled Immigration Act,” Germany’s Federal Ministry of Interior and Community said on X.

It is also now emerging that part of the deal that President Ruto and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz signed will see an unknown number of Kenyans who are in Germany illegally repatriated to Nairobi.

One of the articles in the agreements states that Kenya is obligated to cooperate with Germany by issuing the necessary travel documents and receiving its citizens once they are kicked out by Berlin.

“The parties further commit to ensure that their nationals are duly received and readmitted, in full respect for the human right to return to one’s own country and the obligation of States to readmit their own nationals,” the pact reads in part.

“To this end, the parties shall cooperate on the identification of nationals and issuance of travel documents for safe and dignified return and readmission in cases of persons who do not have the legal right to stay on the other party’s territory” reads an Article in the agreement signed by both countries.”

Illegal migration has been a political problem in Germany and some political movements on Friday expressed reservations on the Kenya-Germany Comprehensive Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement (some German dispatches labelled it as ‘MoU’) for a pilot project on job placements, which seeks to plug some holes left by retiring ageing German workforce.

The agreement seeks to provide a framework for cooperation and information exchange on labour mobility, apprenticeships, student training, labour market needs, employment, employee welfare, and the readmission and return of workers.

Germany had been one of the most accommodative western Europeans to migrants but has struggled to tame the irregular flow.

Some 92,119 individuals illegally entered Germany between January and September of 2023, according to official figures. Others entered legally but overstayed.

There is a group that entered legally, then applied for asylum which was denied but then vanished into the country to dodge deportation.

But for Kenya, cases of those getting duped by labour agencies to other countries only to get stranded have been on the rise, especially in the Gulf countries.

President Ruto’s warning suggests the very agencies may also try their luck in the new deal, with Berlin being on the standby to kick them out in case they gain illegal entry.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said the deal would only allow the qualified workers but “without a right to remain.”

“We want to consistently enforce the repatriation of people without the right to remain. On the other hand, we want to attract qualified workers, which we urgently need.” Mr Scholz posted on X platform.

AM Live

AM Live is NTV's morning current affairs show that sets the agenda for the day with insightful panels every weekday.

BNX

Business Redefined

Business Redefined is Kenya’s premier thought leadership platform for unpacking matters regarding economic and finance policy as well demystifying complex developments in the region’s capital markets.

Comedies

A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula

Documentaries

A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula

Entertainment

A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula

Full Episodes

A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula

Gumzo La Sato

Gumzo La Sato is a live social issues show that aims to create awareness about issues affecting the larger society. The discussions range from Parenting, Marital bliss and struggles, Oppression, violence, and all matters of the Heart.

Health Diary

Health Diary is a weekly show that highlights different types of diseases/conditions and seeks ways to prevent, treat/manage them. The show debunks this through real life stories and also feature specialists in different fields, to offer medical advice on the same.

Letter To My Younger Self

Letter To My Younger Self is a podcast where guests get to write a letter to their younger self, from which Maxine formulates questions to ask them during the hour-long show.

Mazao Talks

Mazao looks at agriculture and agribusiness

Nation Reports

Nation Reports is a weekly podcast offers an opportunity for listeners to interact with various reporters and journey with them as they unravel the biggest most emotive stories.

One Health Lens Podcast

Discussing health matters and human stories from Kenya and across Africa. We talk big picture from people to policy, ecosystems, and everything in between. Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onehealthlens

Paradise Lost

Paradise Lost peeks through the story of Louis Otieno, the times, and everything in between.

Podcasts

Podcasts

Primetime

A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula

Speaking of GEN Z

Speaking of Gen Z brings you entertaining but meaningful conversations about a generation that is trying to navigate through adulthood. Join hosts Michelle, Jackie and Esther as they unravel all things Gen Z.

Sport On

Sport-On is a 30-minute sports magazine show on NTV and 3 hours on NATION FM. The show seeks to give the sports “fanatics” and “funatics” comprehensive and in-depth coverage of sports both locally and internationally.

Tech-over

The extent of technological growth is beyond mere acknowledgment; it has seamlessly integrated into our daily existence. A few years ago, the notion of paying electricity bills through mobile money or recharging with 'tokens' in Kenya seemed inconceivable. Online product sales were considered distant, and artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping various facets of our lives. Amidst these technological leaps, those with a solid understanding of tech can navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and build a sustainable livelihood. Tech over Show aims to be the platform facilitating discussions among thought leaders, innovators, tech companies, and the government, addressing challenges and opportunities in Kenya's thriving tech industry.

Thamani

Thamani is a business show which is dedicated to emerging issues regarding micro, small and medium size businesses.

The Politalk podcast

This is The Politalk podcast. Here we look into the ins and outs of everything Kenyan politics. We pull no punches and have no reason to sugarcoat anything that matters to Kenyans.

The Trend

A two-hour-long live show that airs on Fridays. The show focuses on what is current in the entertainment industry, controversial and popular across all media platforms targeting those aged between 25 and 35 years.

The trend podcast

The trend podcast highlights and captures the best of banter from #TTTT segment that airs every Friday on NTV. It's the TTTT EXTRA

The Wicked Edition

The Wicked Edition with Dr. King’ori seeks to address serious issues through humour and relatable wit. It is a two-part half hour show filmed in front of a live audience

Trending

A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula

Twende

Twende is a travel show that highlights beautiful, unique, diverse locations, people, and cultures. The show offers fresh perspectives on familiar locations and memorable experiences in new ones.

Unscripted

This Saturday evening lifestyle show lets viewers share their stories and life experiences as openly & honestly for the purpose of shifting the culture of silence.

VIP Access

VIP ACCESS is Anyiko Owoko’s YouTube and podcast show on Music and Culture dedicated to promoting Africa’s most promising talent and creatives. This podcast grants you VIP access into timeless interviews while providing a platform for rising as well as established artists across the continent. Since launching in 2018, Anyiko has interviewed over 70 African music stars.

WADR

This weekly news show aims to have all sides of debate but not be constrained by it, listen to main voices in the contest but not allow them to hold the viewers hostage, entertain debate but allow push back with all due respect.

When death do us part

In this podcast, three widowers openly speak about the process of grief, how they found themselves exposed to the emotional turmoil of losing their wives, and how society still does not know how to deal with them.

Your World

Your World is a health, wellness and variety show. It provides a platform for audiences and experts to share their experiences on how to improve or manage health issues, across Kenya and the Africa region.