By Issa Hussein - Reporter
Kenya, 2 July 2026 - Kenya and Italy on Thursday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Migration and Mobility aimed at creating structured labour migration opportunities for Kenyans while strengthening bilateral cooperation across several strategic sectors.
Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi announced the agreement after holding talks with Italy's Minister of the Interior, Matteo Piantedosi, who is on his first official visit to Kenya since assuming office.
Mudavadi described the visit as a significant milestone in Kenya–Italy relations, saying the agreement ushers in a new phase of cooperation built on mutual respect, shared opportunity, human dignity and well-managed migration.
According to Mudavadi, the MoU establishes a government-to-government framework that will facilitate regular labour migration, promote skills development and enhance the protection of migrant workers.
The agreement is expected to provide structured and transparent pathways for qualified Kenyans seeking employment opportunities in Italy while safeguarding their welfare through formal labour migration arrangements.
Mudavadi said the partnership will also facilitate skills transfer, boost employment opportunities for Kenyan workers and contribute to economic growth through increased diaspora remittances.
"The agreement establishes a Government-to-Government framework for regular labour migration, skills development and the protection of migrant workers," he said, adding that it will strengthen legal migration channels while improving the welfare of Kenyan workers abroad.
Beyond labour mobility, the two countries also reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation in trade and investment, education, energy, technology, aerospace and tourism.
The sectors, Mudavadi noted, offer significant potential for job creation, innovation and sustainable economic development in both countries.
He said Kenya remains committed to expanding strategic international partnerships that translate diplomacy into tangible economic opportunities for its citizens.
The visit by Minister Piantedosi underscores the growing ties between Nairobi and Rome, with both governments seeking to strengthen collaboration in migration management, economic development and people-to-people relations through structured bilateral agreements.
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