NAIROBI, KENYA – The Kenyan government has formally introduced a four-pillar strategic framework designed to structure and enhance labour mobility cooperation with Canada. Unveiled by Diaspora Affairs Principal Secretary Roseline Njogu , during a high-level meeting at the Canadian High Commission in Nairobi, the plan seeks to align Kenya's skilled and youthful workforce with Canada's significant labour market demands.

The announcement marks a pivotal step in formalizing labour migration between the two nations, a process that has been under discussion for several months. In May 2023, President William Ruto confirmed that Kenya and Canada were developing a labour migration framework to facilitate the employment of skilled Kenyans in the North American country. This new four-pillar approach provides the first detailed public insight into the government's strategy for achieving this goal.

The Four Pillars of Cooperation

According to a statement from the State Department for Diaspora Affairs, the framework is built on four core principles intended to ensure the arrangement is both ethical and mutually beneficial.

• Skills and Certification: This pillar focuses on aligning Kenyan training and vocational programs with Canadian standards. The objective is to ensure that Kenyan workers possess the specific qualifications and certifications required by Canadian employers, thereby streamlining the hiring process. This addresses a common challenge for migrant workers, where credential recognition can be a significant barrier to employment.
• Robust Worker Protection: The framework places a strong emphasis on safeguarding the rights and welfare of Kenyan workers in Canada. This involves establishing clear, enforceable standards for employment conditions, wages, and legal protections to prevent exploitation. The government has stated its primary responsibility is to protect its citizens, even when they are abroad.
• Leveraging Technology and Diaspora: The plan aims to use technology to create transparent and accessible platforms for job matching and visa processing. Furthermore, it seeks to actively involve the Kenyan diaspora in Canada—estimated to be around 90,000 people as of 2020—to support newcomers and facilitate their integration into Canadian society.
• Principled Approach to Broader Cooperation: This pillar underscores a commitment to ethical recruitment practices and a holistic partnership that extends beyond just filling jobs. PS Njogu emphasized that the goal is a "win-win" situation that addresses Canada's labour shortages while providing Kenyans with valuable skills and experience that can contribute to national development upon their return. This concept, often termed "brain circulation" rather than "brain drain," is a key aspect of the government's strategy.

Economic Implications for Kenya

The strategic push for labour mobility is deeply connected to Kenya's economic objectives. Diaspora remittances are a cornerstone of the Kenyan economy, having surpassed traditional revenue sources like tea, tourism, and horticulture to become the largest source of foreign exchange since 2015. In 2024, remittances reached an estimated USD 4.4 billion, and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi recently announced a historic milestone of Ksh1 trillion (approximately USD 7.7 billion) in 2025.

By creating structured pathways to high-income countries like Canada, the government aims to significantly boost these inflows. PS Njogu noted that the partnership is expected to enhance Kenya's current $4 billion in annual remittances. These funds are critical for supporting households, funding investments in real estate and small businesses, and contributing to overall economic stability.

Addressing Canada's Labour Needs

Canada is actively seeking to attract skilled workers to address demographic challenges and fill critical labour shortages in key sectors. With an aging population, industries such as healthcare, information technology, skilled trades (electricians, plumbers), agriculture, and engineering are in high demand for qualified professionals. The Canada-Kenya Binational Commission has identified safe and regular pathways for labour migration as a key area of cooperation.

While the opportunities are significant, Kenyan job seekers will still need to navigate Canada's immigration requirements, including the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) process and securing a valid work permit from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The new framework is expected to help streamline these processes for pre-vetted Kenyan applicants.

The meeting, attended by representatives from IRCC and the Canadian High Commission, signifies a concrete advancement in bilateral relations. As the framework moves towards implementation, it holds the potential to create transformative opportunities for thousands of Kenyans while forging a stronger economic partnership between Nairobi and Ottawa.