Explained: Kenya-Italy Migration Agreement and What It Means for Kenyans Seeking Jobs Abroad
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Kenya and Italy have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on migration and mobility, which is aimed at strengthening cooperation on labour migration, skills development and protection of migrant workers.
The agreement was signed in Nairobi on July 2, 2026 and it establishes a government-to-government framework that seeks to promote safe and orderly migration between Kenya and Italy.
The MoU was signed by Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi on behalf of Kenya and Italy’s Minister of the Interior Matteo Piantedosi, alongside senior government officials from both countries.
According to a joint statement issued after the signing, the agreement is expected to create more lawful employment opportunities for Kenyans while enhancing worker protection and supporting skills exchange between the two nations.
Details Of Partnership
The two governments said the partnership will also strengthen cooperation in vocational and language training to prepare Kenyan workers for employment opportunities in Italy through legal migration pathways.
In addition, the agreement aims to improve collaboration in preventing and countering irregular migration.
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This includes public awareness initiatives which are designed to educate Kenyans about the risks that are associated with irregular migration and encourage informed and safe migration choices.
The statement states that the agreement builds on the renewed momentum in Kenya-Italy relations following President William Ruto’s official visit to Italy in April 2026.
Mattei Plan
It also aligns with the Kenya-Italy Sustainable Development Partnership (2023-2027) and Italy’s Mattei Plan for Africa.
The two governments further reaffirmed their commitment to cooperate on the return of nationals found to be in an irregular situation, while promoting voluntary return where possible and ensuring that such processes comply with the respective national laws of both countries.
According to the statement, the successful implementation of the agreement will depend on close coordination between the two governments, effective institutional cooperation, language preparation and skills matching to meet labour market needs.
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The governments said the MoU is expected to contribute to Kenya’s national development by expanding access to overseas employment opportunities while helping address labour shortages in key sectors of Italy’s economy.
The signing of the agreement marks a new phase in Kenya-Italy cooperation, with both countries stating that the partnership is founded on mutual respect, shared opportunity, human dignity and development-oriented migration.
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Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi and Italy’s Minister of the Interior Matteo Piantedosi
PHOTO/Mudavadi X
