A Partnership Focused on Mutual Growth

NAIROBI—Kenya and Germany are significantly reshaping their long-standing diplomatic relationship, pivoting towards strategic partnerships in renewable energy, skilled labour mobility, and balanced trade. Recent high-level engagements, including visits by President William Ruto to Germany and a reciprocal visit by Chancellor Olaf Scholz, have cemented a cooperation aimed at bolstering Kenya's green transition and addressing Germany's demand for skilled workers. The Federal Republic of Germany, the first nation to recognize Kenya's independence in 1963, is now a key partner in Nairobi's economic and climate ambitions.

Powering Kenya’s Green Ambitions

A central pillar of the renewed cooperation is Germany's substantial support for Kenya's goal to achieve 100% renewable energy by 2030. This commitment was formalized through a Climate and Development Partnership signed in November 2022, which prioritizes reducing CO2 emissions and fostering climate-friendly growth. German financial and technical aid has been instrumental in expanding Kenya's geothermal sector, where the nation is a global leader. Germany has provided funding for the Olkaria geothermal power stations and the Silali project in Baringo County. Most recently, in August 2025, Germany's development bank, KfW, co-financed a €55 million (KSh 8.3 billion) package to expand the Gogo Hydropower Plant in Migori County, increasing its capacity from 2 MW to 8.6 MW. According to German Ambassador Sebastian Groth, this is part of a broader energy partnership with projects valued at approximately €400 million (KSh 60 billion).

New Frontiers: Labour Mobility and Skills

A landmark Comprehensive Migration and Mobility Partnership, signed in Berlin on September 13, 2024, establishes legal pathways for Kenyan professionals to work and train in Germany. The agreement, witnessed by President Ruto and Chancellor Scholz, is designed to be a 'win-win,' addressing Germany's critical labour shortages in sectors like IT, healthcare, and technical trades while providing Kenyans with access to the German job market. The pact guarantees legal protection and rights for Kenyan workers under German labour laws, including fair working conditions and social security. It also aligns with Germany's new Skilled Immigration Act. The agreement facilitates vocational training and study opportunities for young Kenyans and includes provisions for reintegration support for those returning home. While some initial reports mentioned a figure of 250,000 workers, the German Federal Ministry of Interior and Community later clarified that the deal does not specify quotas, emphasizing a rigorous selection process for all applicants.

Trade and Investment Dynamics

Germany is one of Kenya's most significant economic partners in East Africa, with over 100 German companies operating within the country. While the overall annual trade balance has historically favored Germany, recent data shows a positive trend for Kenya. In July 2025, Kenyan exports to Germany reached €35 million against imports of €19.3 million, resulting in a trade surplus of €15.7 million for Kenya, an 85.8% year-on-year increase. This growth was largely driven by exports of coffee, horticultural products, and fruits. However, looking at the broader picture, Trade CS Salim Mvurya noted in October 2024 that in 2023, Kenya exported goods worth KSh 16 billion to Germany while importing goods valued at KSh 39 billion. The ongoing implementation of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the European Union is expected to further boost trade by providing duty-free and quota-free access for Kenyan products.

Education and Development Cooperation

The partnership extends deeply into education and development. The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) fosters academic collaboration through scholarships and university partnerships. Since 2020, German has been offered as an optional language in Kenyan schools, a move set to be bolstered by an agreement to deploy German language teachers to Kenyan technical and vocational colleges to better prepare job seekers. For decades, German development cooperation, implemented through agencies like GIZ and KfW, has been a cornerstone of the relationship. Since 1963, Germany has committed a total of €2.5 billion for bilateral development cooperation. During government negotiations in 2022, Germany pledged an additional €153 million for the 2022-2024 period, focusing on climate, energy, and sustainable agriculture.