President William Ruto is set to leave the country this evening for a two-day official visit to the Federal Republic of Germany.
State House spokesperson Hussein Mohamed in a statement on Thursday, September 12 said that this visit marks a significant milestone in the long-standing relations between Kenya and Germany spanning over 60 years and is aimed at strengthening cultural, economic, and diplomatic ties.
“During his visit, President Ruto will engage in several high-profile activities expected to yield real, tangible, and immediate benefits to the people of Kenya,” read part of the statement.
The key engagements include the signing of the Kenya-Germany Agreement on Comprehensive Migration and Mobility Partnership.
“A key highlight of the visit will be the signing of this important agreement, which establishes a framework for cooperation on labor mobility, apprenticeships, student training, employment, and the welfare of employees, as well as for the readmission and return of citizens.”
Mohamed further said that President Ruto will attend and address the Annual Citizens’ Festival (Bürgerfest), a prestigious Citizen’s Festival, themed “Pamoja – Stronger Together.”
“Kenya has been honored as the profile partner country, making it the first time a non-European country has been selected to partner with Germany for the festival.
This partnership offers a unique platform to showcase Kenya’s rich cultural heritage to the German public,” added Hussein Mohamed.
Ruto in Germany
State House has maintained that the Citizen’s Festival will significantly raise the visibility of Kenyan culture in Germany, fostering greater appreciation and understanding while promoting tourism and cultural exchanges.
“In the last financial year, Kenya attracted 81,359 German tourists compared to 66,064 in the previous year marking a 23.2% growth. This Festival presents an opportunity to further grow German tourist arrivals in the Country,” added Hussein.
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The head of state will also hold bilateral discussions with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
According to State House, these meetings will focus on deepening cooperation on areas of mutual interest including green energy and climate action; digital cooperation; trade and investment; skills development and labor; and regional and international peace and security.
On the other hand, Mohamed said that the President will engage with leading German business figures during a special forum aimed at enhancing trade and investment opportunities between Kenya and Germany.
The Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of major companies such as Mercedes Benz, YouTube, and AIDA Cruises are expected to participate in the forum.
Expected Benefits for Kenya
State House at the same time said that Ruto’s visit to Germany is set to create employment opportunities for the youth.
It added that Germany will waive the requirement for a labor market test for Kenyans prior to employment.
“Both countries encourage the immigration of skilled workers who have completed vocational training or a university-level degree, and whose qualifications have been recognized by the competent authorities of the other Party,” the statement adds.
Also Read: Why Kenya Will Be the Country of Focus at Germany’s Presidential Event
Also, Mohamed said that Germany will issue long-stay visas for eligible Kenyans pursuing studies or vocational training in a bid to enhanced educational and vocational opportunities.
Upon completion, Kenyan students and apprentices may extend their stay to gain professional experience and potentially secure employment in Germany.
Ruto’s visit will also promote investment opportunities in key sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, tourism, and the creative economy, positioning Kenya as a prime destination for German investors, according to State House.
“This visit not only reaffirms the strong ties between Kenya and Germany but also opens new avenues for cooperation that will benefit the people of both nations.”
Third trip since Gen Z protests
President Ruto will be jetting out of the country for a third time since slowing down on his foreign trips due to the financial challenges caused by the withdrawal of the Finance Bill 2024.
The Head of State travelled out of the country for the first time since the withdrawal of the Bill in August to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Paul Kagame as Rwanda’s President for a fourth term on Sunday, August 11.
Also, Ruto flied out of the country earlier this month to attend the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit in Beijing, China from 3rd to 6th September 2024.
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