By Issa Hussein - Reporter
Kenya, 18 May 2026 - Kenya and Germany have renewed their partnership on migration governance, labour mobility and refugee integration following talks between Immigration Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang and newly appointed German Ambassador for Migration Cooperation Dr Ludwig Jung.
During a courtesy call on Monday, the two officials reaffirmed support for the government’s Shirika Plan, which seeks to integrate refugees and host communities through expanded access to social and economic opportunities.
Dr Kipsang said Kenya remained committed to an inclusive refugee management model that promotes peaceful coexistence and shared development.
He said the government was rolling out programmes to ensure refugees and host communities benefit from healthcare, education, livelihoods and social protection services.
“The issuance of refugee identity documentation is enabling access to mobile connectivity, financial services and other socio-economic opportunities through collaboration with UNHCR and other partners,” Dr Kipsang said.
The PS also highlighted Kenya’s push to strengthen border management systems, improve biometric identification and tackle identity fraud as part of broader immigration reforms.
“Building institutional capacity remains central to sustaining reforms and delivering on the objectives of the Shirika Plan,” he said.
The talks also focused on labour mobility, with Germany expressing interest in expanding opportunities for Kenyan workers.
Ambassador Jung said more than 16,000 Kenyans were currently working in Germany, contributing positively to the country’s labour market.
He reaffirmed Berlin’s commitment to protecting the welfare and rights of Kenyan workers abroad while supporting safe and orderly migration pathways.
Dr Kipsang welcomed Germany’s support in technical training, labour migration programmes and knowledge-transfer initiatives involving local institutions.
The meeting further highlighted concerns over shrinking humanitarian funding for refugee support programmes, with both sides calling for greater international responsibility-sharing and sustainable investment to support refugee-hosting countries.
Environmental sustainability also featured prominently in the discussions, particularly the adoption of clean energy solutions such as solar-powered initiatives benefiting both refugees and host communities.
Ambassador Jung praised Kenya’s leadership in refugee protection and regional stability, saying Germany would continue supporting the country’s migration and integration agenda.
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