Kenya and Canada are working toward creating a formal Labour Mobility Framework that would set up structured pathways for thousands of Kenyan workers to find jobs in the North American country.
The effort has picked up speed through a series of high-level meetings between officials from both nations. If the talks lead to an agreement, it will likely prioritize skills development, ethical recruitment, worker protections, and regulated migration channels for Kenyan professionals and skilled workers.
On Thursday, Canadian High Commissioner Joshua Tabah met with Roseline Njogu, the Principal Secretary for Diaspora Affairs, to strengthen bilateral cooperation on labour mobility, diaspora affairs, and skills development.
The State Department for Diaspora Affairs said both sides discussed ways to expand cooperation on labour migration, while also addressing concerns about recruitment fraud and migrant welfare.
“Kenya and Canada are currently exploring a structured Labour Mobility Framework to facilitate safe, orderly, regular, and ethical labour migration between the two countries,” the department said in a statement.
The statement added that the partnership draws on Kenya’s young, skilled workforce and Canada’s expanding labour market, shaped by demographic shifts and ongoing worker shortages.
“Both governments are also working closely to stop migration-related fraud, strengthen the protection of migrant workers’ rights and welfare, and support transparent, regulated, and ethical recruitment processes.”
The talks build on meetings that have continued for months as Nairobi and Ottawa work to make labour mobility a central pillar of their bilateral relationship.
In March, Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua shared details of discussions with the Canadian government to create new opportunities for Kenyan workers in sectors facing labour shortages.
After meeting High Commissioner Tabah, Mutua said the two countries agreed to partner on an upcoming recruitment exercise for meat cutters through a Canadian company. He also noted that the discussions included broader cooperation on technical training and certification.
“I held a productive meeting in my office with the Canadian High Commissioner to Kenya, Dr Joshua Tabah, to discuss expanding labour mobility opportunities between Kenya and Canada,” Mutua said at the time.
The CS also said the talks focused on building partnerships between Kenyan training institutions and Canadian colleges and universities so Kenyans can earn qualifications that the Canadian labour market recognizes.
The targeted sectors include healthcare, aviation engineering, agro-industry, and other skilled professions where demand still runs high.
“To back this effort, we are exploring the ‘Train and Place’ model (Plug and Play) – an emerging global recruitment approach that trains Kenyan trainees to the exact standards Canadian employers require before they deploy,” Mutua said.
“This model ensures that workers gain the right skills, certification, and competencies for the Canadian labour market.”
The framework is expected to take centre stage during the Fourth Session of the Kenya–Canada Binational Commission, scheduled to take place in Nairobi in September.
The Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs said it is already preparing for the commission and that labour mobility will feature among the top areas of cooperation.
Kenya has already signed a similar labour mobility agreement with Germany.
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