Ever since the current ruling regime in Kenya took power, the country has risen high on the list of possible sources for foreign nations to source skilled workers. This includes Germany.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz made a state visit in 2023 and noted there were employment opportunities in the German job market. At a press conference after the meeting with the chancellor, President William Ruto gushed about the 250,000 skilled opportunities in Germany.
The hype could not be contained as many citizens began looking for ways to leave for the country. Among them is Stephen Sunday, a resident of Homa Bay who has been a bus driver over the last 10 years.
Stephen is eyeing a life away from the shores of Lake Victoria as he continues to hope for a job with a public transportation firm in northern Germany. Homa Bay, where he works has a big contrast to the streets of Hamburg where he may be posted.
A school has employed the 38-year-old bus driver to take children to football tournaments. Seemingly, nothing can upset the man as he helps print exam papers and get books when his bus-driving skills are not needed.
“My father was a teacher, and I really wanted to work with children as well…I’m the explorer type,” he says.
Like many others seeking opportunities abroad, Stephen is motivated by a good income and a rewarding bus-driving career. He is currently attending a German school to learn the language and undergo health and reflex checks before he boards the plane to Germany.
Since the President announced that there are opportunities in Germany for skilled migrants, the Goethe Institute in Nairobi has seen all its appointment visits fully booked.
“Demand has increased significantly. There is now a much stronger focus on Germany as a possible destination. That represents an opportunity for both sides,” says project manager, Claudia Schilling.
“More than anything, we have to manage expectations at the moment. Many of them are unrealistic, on both sides.”
To get a job, one must go through a rigorous vetting process. The immigration of skilled migrants is reportedly a ‘pilot project’ with its share of bureaucratic challenges.
The process begins with the recognition of qualifications. For example, Kenyan candidates for a bus driving job already have a license to drive locally, but in Germany, not even their basic driver’s licenses are recognized.
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They would have to start from scratch. Additionally, they must complete a Chamber of Commerce examination which may take up to 6 months.
According to Der Spiegel, German transportation firm owners and employers have maintained that they won’t back down in the face of these hurdles and will go on to ensure they have recruited qualified migrants.
“The underlying trends are clear; Germany badly needs skilled workers from abroad, and not just well-educated IT specialists and engineers, but also people who can drive buses, fix cars and provide care to the elderly,” the publication wrote [sic].
“Kenya’s education system enjoys a good reputation in Africa and the country’s high school graduates are considered relatively well educated and highly motivated. But only a fraction of them are able to find a decent job in the country, and the economy is weak.”[sic]
