Kenya is moving closer to expanding employment opportunities for its skilled workforce following high-level discussions with a delegation from Canada’s New Brunswick province.
The talks, held in Nairobi, were led by Principal Secretary for Labour and Skills Development Shadrack Mwadime and focused on deepening labour mobility cooperation between the two countries. The Canadian delegation was headed by Deputy Minister of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour Daniel Mills and Immigration Assistant Deputy Minister Dany Couillard.
The Kenyan team included senior officials such as PS Ouma Oluga (Medical Services), PS Mary Muthoni (Public Health), and PS Esther Muoria (Technical and Vocational Education and Training), alongside National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Labour chairperson Ken Chonga.
PS Mwadime described the engagement as a “milestone in advancing Kenya’s global labour diplomacy,” noting that it will open doors for Kenyan professionals and artisans in health, education, and construction sectors. “This meeting underscores Kenya’s commitment to secure decent and dignified employment for its people through well-structured, ethical, and mutually beneficial partnerships,” he said.
The discussions follow a previous mission led by Mwadime to Canada in September, which aimed to create more employment pathways for Kenyans in the Canadian labour market. Mills highlighted that Kenya’s youthful and disciplined workforce presents a “great opportunity for partnership” and emphasized that future recruitment would adhere to clear ethical standards.
Both sides also explored mutual recognition of qualifications, skills development, and improved welfare mechanisms for migrant workers. According to Mwadime, the collaboration aligns with Kenya’s broader plan to diversify labour export markets and ensure citizens work under safe, fair, and regulated conditions abroad.
Further talks are expected to establish a formal framework governing the recruitment, deployment, and welfare of Kenyan workers in Canada. Mwadime also revealed plans to incentivize Kenyans working abroad to invest back home, including tax holidays to maximize returns on their investments.
This partnership marks a significant step in enhancing Kenya’s labour diplomacy while providing skilled workers with sustainable international career opportunities.
