Kenya and Canada are moving closer to establishing a formal Labour Mobility Framework that could create structured pathways for thousands of Kenyan workers to access jobs in the North American country.
The push has gained momentum through a series of high-level engagements
between officials from both countries. When reached, the deal is expected to
focus on skills development, ethical recruitment, worker protection and the
creation of regulated migration channels for Kenyan professionals and skilled
workers.
Canadian High Commissioner Joshua Tabah on Thursday held talks with
Diaspora Affairs PS Roseline Njogu on strengthening bilateral cooperation in
labour mobility, diaspora affairs and skills development.
According to the State Department for Diaspora Affairs, the two sides
discussed efforts to deepen collaboration on labour migration, while addressing
concerns around recruitment fraud and migrant welfare.
“Kenya and Canada are currently exploring a structured Labour Mobility
Framework to facilitate safe, orderly, regular, and ethical labour migration
between the two countries,” the department said in a statement.
The statement added that the collaboration is anchored on Kenya’s
youthful and skilled workforce and Canada’s growing labour market needs, driven
by demographic changes and workforce shortages.
“Both governments are also working closely to address migration-related
fraud, strengthen the protection of migrant workers’ rights and welfare, and
promote transparent, regulated and ethical recruitment processes.”
The discussions build on engagements that have been underway for months
as Nairobi and Ottawa seek to transform labour mobility into a key pillar of
their bilateral relations.
In March, Labour CS Alfred Mutua disclosed details of talks with the
Canadian government aimed at opening new opportunities for Kenyan workers in
sectors experiencing labour shortages.
Following a meeting with High Commissioner Tabah, Mutua announced that
the two countries had agreed to partner in an upcoming recruitment exercise for
meat cutters by a Canadian company, while also exploring broader cooperation in
technical training and certification.
“I held a productive meeting in my office with the Canadian High
Commissioner to Kenya, Dr Joshua Tabah, to discuss expanding labour mobility
opportunities between Kenya and Canada,” Mutua said at the time.
The CS said discussions were also focusing on establishing partnerships
between Kenyan training institutions and Canadian colleges and universities to
enable Kenyans to acquire qualifications recognised in the Canadian labour
market.
The targeted sectors include healthcare, aviation engineering,
agro-industry and other skilled professions where demand remains high.
“To support this effort, we are exploring the ‘Train and Place’ model
(Plug and Play), an emerging global recruitment approach where Kenyan trainees
are trained to the exact standards required by Canadian employers before
deployment,” Mutua said.
“This ensures that workers acquire the right skills, certification and
competencies needed in the Canadian labour market.”
The proposed model reflects a growing trend among developed economies
facing ageing populations and workforce shortages to source skilled labour
through structured bilateral agreements rather than ad hoc recruitment.
The initiative aligns with the Kenya Kwanza government’s broader
strategy of positioning labour mobility as a key economic pillar capable of
generating jobs, skills transfers and diaspora remittances.
The framework is also expected to feature prominently during the Fourth
Session of the Kenya-Canada Binational Commission, set for Nairobi in
September.
According to the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, preparations
for the commission are underway, with labour mobility identified as one of the
flagship areas of cooperation between the two countries.
Prime and Foreign Affairs CS Musalia Mudavadi recently described Canada
as a strategic partner in trade, aviation and labour cooperation.
Diplomats say the upcoming commission will provide an opportunity to
review progress on ongoing discussions and potentially advance agreements under
the proposed Labour Mobility Framework.
The ministry noted that previous exchanges between officials from the
two states had already explored collaboration in labour mobility, technical
partnerships and workforce development.
“The framework reflects a shared commitment to creating safe, orderly
and mutually beneficial labour pathways,” the ministry said.
Beyond labour migration, Kenya and Canada are seeking to expand
cooperation in trade, education, climate action, technology and investment.
Canada has increasingly emerged as an important partner for Kenya in
areas such as mining, energy, aviation, cybersecurity and advanced
technologies.
The two countries have also worked closely on multilateral issues,
including support for the Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support mission in
Haiti and climate change initiatives.
However, labour mobility appears to be emerging as one of the most
dynamic areas of engagement.
Kenya offers access to a youthful, educated and increasingly skilled
workforce at a time when demographic pressures are creating labour shortages
across multiple sectors.
The framework could, therefore, provide new overseas employment
opportunities, while ensuring workers are protected through formal
government-to-government arrangements.
Kenya has already signed a similar labour mobility agreement with
Germany.
