NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenya and Italy have signed a labour mobility agreement aimed at creating more legal employment opportunities for Kenyans while strengthening worker protection, skills development and cooperation on safe migration.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in Nairobi on Thursday by Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi and Italy’s Minister of the Interior Matteo Piantedosi.
According to a joint communiqué issued after the signing, the agreement establishes a government-to-government framework for cooperation on regular labour migration, vocational training and the protection of migrant workers.
The two countries said the arrangement reflects a shared commitment to promoting safe, orderly and ethical migration while expanding access to legal employment pathways.
“The MoU establishes a Government-to-Government framework for cooperation on regular labour migration, skills development and the protection of migrant workers,” the communiqué states.
“It reflects the shared commitment of Kenya and Italy to promoting safe, orderly, regular and ethical migration while strengthening cooperation on vocational and language training aimed at facilitating the use of legal migration pathways.”
Focus on legal migration
The agreement also seeks to strengthen efforts to combat irregular migration through public awareness initiatives that will educate potential migrants about the risks associated with illegal migration.
Officials said the programme will encourage Kenyans seeking opportunities abroad to pursue recognised and lawful migration channels.
“It also reinforces bilateral cooperation to prevent and counter irregular migration, including through awareness-raising initiatives aimed at informing Kenyan citizens of the risks associated with irregular migration and promoting safe and informed migration choices,” the communiqué adds.
Building on stronger bilateral ties
The two governments said the agreement builds on growing cooperation between Nairobi and Rome following President William Ruto’s official visit to Italy in April 2026.
During that visit, the two countries reaffirmed commitments under the Kenya-Italy Sustainable Development Partnership (2023–2027) as well as Italy’s Mattei Plan for Africa.
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Officials said the labour mobility agreement is expected to help address labour shortages in key sectors of the Italian economy while creating employment opportunities for qualified Kenyan workers.
“The MoU is expected to expand lawful employment opportunities for Kenyans, strengthen worker protection, promote skills exchange and contribute to national development, while supporting Italy’s labour market needs in key sectors,” the communiqué states.
Cooperation on returns and skills training
Beyond labour mobility, Kenya and Italy also agreed to strengthen cooperation on the return of nationals found to be in irregular migration situations, while emphasising voluntary return and compliance with the laws of both countries.
The two governments further committed to working closely on job matching, language training, vocational skills development and institutional cooperation to ensure effective implementation of the agreement.
Officials described the MoU as a significant step in strengthening bilateral relations and promoting migration policies centred on mutual benefit, human dignity and shared prosperity.
