Skilled Kenyans now have a new pathway to work in Germany, thanks to the country’s recently introduced migration policy. Under the scheme, individuals can travel to Germany without a job contract in advance, using an “Opportunity Card” that allows them to stay for up to a year while searching for employment.
German Ambassador to Kenya Sebastian Groth told The Star that applicants who meet a set points threshold based on skills, education, or language proficiency will be eligible for the visa. “Germany has a growing demographic gap. Estimates suggest we need between 250,000 and 400,000 skilled workers annually,” Groth said.
While President William Ruto’s administration is already pursuing labour migration through the Kazi Majuu initiative, Groth clarified that the German opportunities are part of an open global competition. “If Kenyans are best suited for the roles, they will fill them. But they’re also competing with applicants from the Philippines, Brazil, and Morocco.”
Sectors with high demand include hospitality, care work, logistics, and public transportation. Germany is currently facing a shortage of tens of thousands of bus drivers. A pilot programme has already seen trained Kenyan drivers from Kisumu employed in the northern German city of Flensburg. Nurse placements have also grown significantly, tripling from 50 to 150 in a single year.
Groth addressed concerns about brain drain, noting that Kenya produces between 800,000 and one million job seekers annually, with 85 per cent ending up in the informal sector. He argued that sending skilled workers abroad can benefit Kenya’s economy through remittances and circular migration, as many return with valuable expertise and networks.
Beyond labour migration, Groth highlighted growing German business interest in Kenya. Around 120 German companies currently operate in the country, with opportunities expanding in business process outsourcing, agriculture, and food processing. However, he cautioned that unpredictable regulations and sudden tax changes remain a concern for investors.
Germany and Kenya have also deepened cooperation in climate policy and digital innovation. Kenya’s renewable energy achievements and leadership in tech policy have made it a key partner in global discussions on climate finance and artificial intelligence governance.
Groth praised Kenya’s political engagement, especially among Gen Z, describing it as a decentralised, non-tribal movement pushing for cultural and policy reforms. He also commended the progress made under devolution but stressed the need for efficiency and anti-corruption measures.
With the Opportunity Card now in play, skilled Kenyans have a unique chance to tap into Germany’s vast job market—if they can meet the competitive standards.
