Kenya, Canada Move Closer to Labour Mobility Deal for Skilled Workers

Kenya and Canada are moving closer to finalising a Labour Mobility Framework that would create new opportunities for Kenyan professionals to work in Canada through regulated and structured migration channels.

The proposed agreement is intended to connect Kenya’s skilled workforce with labour shortages in Canada while ensuring recruitment processes remain transparent and workers are protected from exploitation and fraudulent practices.

Progress on the framework was discussed in Nairobi during a meeting between Canadian High Commissioner Joshua Tabah and Principal Secretary for Diaspora Affairs Roseline Njogu. 

According to the State Department for Diaspora Affairs, the arrangement aims to provide Kenyan workers with access to employment opportunities in sectors where Canada faces significant labour demand. The discussions build on earlier engagements between the two countries. 

In March, Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua said Canada had expressed interest in hiring Kenyan workers for specialised positions, including meat cutters, healthcare professionals, aviation engineers and agricultural specialists. Mutua also outlined a proposed "Train and Place" programme under which Kenyan workers would receive training that meets Canadian standards before travelling abroad. 

The approach is designed to ensure workers possess the required skills and certifications before taking up employment. The negotiations reflect a broader international trend as countries with ageing populations and labour shortages seek skilled workers through bilateral agreements. 

For Kenya, the framework could expand overseas employment opportunities while strengthening protections for citizens working abroad. For Canada, it would provide access to a reliable source of skilled labour in key sectors.

The Labour Mobility Framework is expected to be a key item on the agenda during the Kenya–Canada Binational Commission meeting scheduled for September in Nairobi. Officials from both countries are expected to review progress and consider the next steps towards formalising the agreement.

Labour cooperation forms part of a wider partnership between Kenya and Canada that also covers trade, education, technology, climate action, energy and security. Canada has additionally worked with Kenya on the multinational mission in Haiti, reflecting the growing scope of relations between the two countries.