Kenya, Italy Sign Labour Mobility Pact to Expand Legal Migration Pathways

July 3, 2026
By Mintesinot Nigussie

Kenya and Italy have signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at expanding legal labour migration, strengthening protections for migrant workers and deepening cooperation on skills development to meet labour market needs in both countries.

The agreement, signed in Nairobi by Musalia Mudavadi and Matteo Piantedosi, establishes a government-to-government framework covering regular labour migration, vocational training, language preparation and worker protection.

The two governments said the agreement is intended to promote safe, orderly and regular migration by creating legal pathways for Kenyan workers while supporting Italy's demand for labour in key sectors. It also includes cooperation on skills matching to align workers' qualifications with employment opportunities.

Alongside facilitating lawful migration, the memorandum commits both countries to strengthening efforts to prevent irregular migration through public awareness campaigns highlighting the risks associated with unauthorised migration. Kenya and Italy also agreed to cooperate on the return of nationals found to be in an irregular situation, with voluntary return preferred where possible and implementation guided by each country's national laws.

The agreement builds on closer bilateral ties following the April 2026 visit to Italy by William Samoei Ruto. Both governments said the initiative supports cooperation under the Kenya-Italy Sustainable Development Partnership for 2023 to 2027 and Italy's Mattei Plan for Africa.

Kenya and Italy said the memorandum is expected to expand employment opportunities for Kenyan workers, encourage skills exchange and contribute to economic development, while helping address labour shortages in Italy. They added that its implementation will depend on coordination between the two governments, effective institutional cooperation and adequate language and vocational training.

Source: FSX Business News