Kenya is making major progress toward expanding international employment opportunities following high-level discussions between senior government officials and a visiting delegation from Canada’s Provincial Government of New Brunswick.
The meeting, held in Nairobi on November 10, 2025, was led by Principal Secretary for Labour and Skills Development Shadrack Mwadime. Talks focused on strengthening labour mobility partnerships and creating structured migration pathways for Kenyan professionals to work in Canada.
The Canadian delegation was led by Daniel Mills, Deputy Minister of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour, alongside Immigration Assistant Deputy Minister Dany Couillard. On Kenya’s side, senior officials including Principal Secretaries Ouma Oluga (Medical Services), Mary Muthoni (Public Health), and Esther Muoria (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) attended the meeting, together with National Assembly Labour Committee Chairperson Ken Chonga.
PS Mwadime described the engagement as a key milestone in advancing Kenya’s global labour diplomacy and expanding access to quality employment opportunities abroad. “This meeting underscores Kenya’s commitment to secure decent and dignified employment for its people through well-structured, ethical, and mutually beneficial partnerships,” he said.
What Opportunities Await Skilled Kenyans in Canada?
According to Mwadime, the talks will help open opportunities in critical sectors such as health, education, and construction. The discussions also focused on mutual recognition of qualifications, skills development, and ensuring better welfare mechanisms for Kenyan workers abroad.
Mills emphasized that New Brunswick is actively seeking skilled and disciplined labour, with Kenya’s youthful and dynamic workforce fitting the province’s growing needs. “Canada is looking for skilled and disciplined labour, and Kenya’s youthful workforce presents a great opportunity for partnership,” he stated.
The meeting followed up on a previous visit by Mwadime to Canada in September, where he initiated efforts to expand labour market access for Kenyans. Both teams agreed to develop a government-to-government framework to regulate future recruitment under clear ethical and transparent guidelines.
How Will Kenya Benefit from the Labour Partnership?
Mwadime explained that this collaboration aligns with Kenya’s broader strategy to diversify its labour export markets while protecting the rights and welfare of workers abroad. He added that the government is also working on incentive packages for Kenyans employed overseas to encourage investment back home.
“We desire to come up with packages for Kenyans as they work abroad by ensuring that we give tax holidays so that their investments yield the highest possible returns,” he said.
The upcoming framework between Kenya and Canada is expected to formalize recruitment, deployment, and welfare measures, ensuring Kenyan workers benefit from decent jobs while contributing to both countries’ economic growth.
By Yockshard Enyendi
