National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has issued a clarion call to the world’s legislative bodies, urging them to craft immigration policies that are rooted in humanity rather than hostility. Hosting a high-powered delegation from the German Federal Parliament, Wetang’ula emphasized that migration should be viewed as a tool for mutual development, not a security threat.

The meeting at Parliament Buildings in Nairobi saw Wetang’ula engage with the German Foreign Affairs Committee, led by Deputy Member Derya Turk-Nachbaur. The Speaker did not mince words, expressing deep concern over the rising tide of anti-immigrant sentiment and human rights violations witnessed in parts of Europe. "We must have the courage to treat every human being with dignity," Wetang’ula told the delegation. "Kenya urges Germany to use its influential voice within the European Union to champion coordinated, humane, and sustainable migration responses."

Unlocking the Labour Market

At the center of the talks was the Comprehensive Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement, signed between Kenya and Germany in September 2024. Wetang’ula called for the accelerated implementation of this pact, which is designed to provide a legal, structured pathway for skilled Kenyan professionals to work in Germany. "This agreement is the model," he asserted. "It solves Germany’s labour shortage while providing employment for our youth. It is a win-win."

The Speaker’s push comes as thousands of Kenyans are actively seeking opportunities abroad. By formalizing these channels, Kenya hopes to curb illegal migration and the exploitation that often accompanies it. Wetang’ula stressed that parliaments have a critical role in oversight, ensuring that these bilateral deals translate into real jobs for citizens, not just diplomatic photo-ops.

• Parliamentary Diplomacy: The meeting highlighted the growing importance of "parliament-to-parliament" relations. Wetang’ula and Turk-Nachbaur discussed deepening cooperation in education, technology, and security.
• Global Stability: Wetang’ula linked migration to global peace, noting that instability in one region inevitably leads to displacement. He called for a holistic approach that addresses the root causes of migration, such as conflict and economic inequality.
• The German Connection: Germany has been a key development partner for Kenya. The delegation affirmed their commitment to the partnership, acknowledging Kenya’s role as an anchor of stability in East Africa.

A Voice for the South

Wetang’ula’s message resonated as a powerful statement from the Global South. By framing migration as a shared responsibility, he challenged his European counterparts to look beyond their borders and recognize the human face of the statistics. "We are all citizens of the world," he concluded. "Let us build laws that reflect that reality."