Mudavadi Hails Austria Deal Creating Jobs for Kenyan Professionals

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has praised Austria’s contribution to Kenya’s labour mobility and academic partnerships, saying cooperation between the two countries is creating new opportunities for Kenyan professionals and institutions.

Speaking at a farewell ceremony for outgoing Austrian Ambassador Christian Fellner, Mr Mudavadi described the Kenya-Austria framework on labour and migration as a key part of bilateral relations. He said the agreement was helping connect Kenya’s skilled workforce with Austria’s demand for expertise.

The partnership has already enabled Kenyan healthcare workers to secure placements in Austrian institutions, including KABEG Hospital in Carinthia. Mr Mudavadi also highlighted the Austria Job Fair held in Nairobi last year, saying it helped potential applicants understand recruitment processes, eligibility requirements and available employment pathways in Europe.

The Prime CS also pointed to growing cooperation in education and research. He said initiatives such as Erasmus+, Africa-UniNet and joint university programmes were strengthening links between Kenyan and Austrian institutions, while supporting innovation and closer people-to-people relations. 

He added that these efforts aligned with Austria’s recently launched Africa Strategy, which reflects a broader approach to engagement with the continent.

Financial cooperation was another focus of Mr Mudavadi’s remarks. He noted that Austria’s commitment of €40 million in concessional financing, alongside the Kenya-Austria Framework Agreement for Financial Cooperation, would support investment and sustainable development projects.

However, he acknowledged delays affecting some joint initiatives, including the Mokubo Water Supply Project in Kisii and the second phase of the Mother and Child Hospital Project at Kenyatta National Hospital. He said he would work with relevant government agencies to help speed up implementation.

Mr Mudavadi praised Ambassador Fellner for his nine years of service in Nairobi, crediting him with strengthening cooperation between Kenya and Austria in areas including trade, education, labour mobility and peacebuilding. He said the foundation built during the ambassador’s tenure would support continued growth in bilateral relations under his successor.

The ceremony also recognised the upcoming departure of European Union Ambassador Henriette Geiger, whose tenure ends later this month. Mr Mudavadi commended her role in advancing the implementation of the EU-Kenya Economic Partnership Agreement, which he described as an important framework for improving Kenya’s access to European markets.

He noted that 2026 will mark 50 years since the establishment of the EU Delegation in Nairobi, highlighting decades of cooperation in trade, governance, climate action and regional security.